Tinubu Pushes Airbus Deal for Nigeria Aviation, Security Expansion
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed a proposal by global aircraft manufacturer Airbus to establish aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria as part of plans to position the country as a regional aviation hub.
The President also stressed Nigeria’s urgent need for modern military aircraft and helicopters to strengthen counterterrorism operations and national security efforts.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Saturday, Tinubu spoke during a meeting with an Airbus delegation at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
The delegation was led by Airbus Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, Thierry Cloutet.
Tinubu told the delegation that Nigeria was committed to deepening its partnership with Airbus in aerospace development and military aviation.
“Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” the President said.
The meeting also focused on Nigeria’s planned acquisition of Airbus C-295 aircraft, aircraft leasing structures and long-term aviation financing arrangements.
Officials discussed export credit models, lease-back financing options and strategies to improve access to aircraft for Nigerian airlines.
Tinubu also explored the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company in Nigeria to support local operators and unlock investment opportunities within the aviation sector.
In his remarks, Cloutet praised Tinubu’s economic reforms and reaffirmed Airbus’ interest in supporting Nigeria’s long-term aerospace ambitions.
He proposed what he described as a “360-degree engagement” with Nigeria covering commercial aviation, defence cooperation, technical training, sustainability initiatives and maintenance infrastructure.
The proposed partnership is also expected to include collaboration in satellite and Earth observation technology.
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