Nigeria is on the verge of a major aerospace milestone as the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) nears completion of the country’s first indigenous helicopter, the “Nigerian Chopper.”
Speaking at a Focus Group Engagement in Kaduna, NASENI’s Project Manager, Engr. Kareem Aduagba, confirmed that the aircraft is in its final development phase and will soon undergo its first test flight. He emphasized that while some components were sourced in Semi Knock Down (SKD) and Complete Knock Down (CKD) forms, NASENI engineers have successfully assembled and modified them to meet local specifications.
At the event, industry experts, government officials, and manufacturers gathered to discuss strategies for driving Nigeria’s industrial and technological growth. NASENI’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the nation’s reliance on imported technology by fostering homegrown innovation. Engr. Abdulfatai Ambali, Head of the Manufacturing Services Department, highlighted the agency’s efforts to commercialize its projects and enhance public awareness of its contributions to national development.
Stakeholders at the engagement stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace locally made products, emphasizing that economic growth depends on reducing dependence on foreign imports. The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) commended NASENI’s initiative, stating that innovation and technology are key to improving product acceptance and expanding job opportunities.
With the Nigerian Chopper set to take its maiden flight, NASENI’s advancements in aeronautics signal a crucial step toward positioning Nigeria as a key player in aerospace engineering.
