President Muhammadu Buhari has given a fresh challenge to the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Airforce Institute of Technology (AFIT) Kaduna to complete work on the ongoing manufacturing of the first Nigerian-made Helicopter before the end of his administration.
According to Prof Haruna, President Buhari looked forward to a formal launch of the Helicopter before May 29 2023 which marks the end of the present administration.
Responding the Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal Jemitola said that the order from Mr.President “is a task that must be carried out on the completion of work on the project.
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According to him “no stone will be left unturned in order to accomplish the work so that the desire of Mr President on the Helicopter Project will be realized”
He said “NASENI has been instrumental to the development of many facilities in AFIT in the past while commending the proactiveness and the dynamism with which NASENI now does its work”
He said “AFIT welcomes the Challenge by Mr President, the existing MoU between NASENI and AFIT, and the significance of the project, all combined to make the presidential challenge worthwhile”
Explaining further on the significance of AAVDI as NASENI emerging institute, the EVC/CE disclosed that “the Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Equipment Development Institute located at AFIT Kaduna is one of the new institutes of NASENI approved by President Buhari. The institute has the mandate to research and develop spare parts, components and systems of Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Technologies. It is mandated to produce both passenger and military aircraft through backward integration. It is the Centre of NASENI Helicopter project assembly and the first Made in Nigeria Helicopter now being relocated to AAVDI.”
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The visit was for site take over, design and to strategize the commencement of construction work to fast-track the take-off of the project.
According to Professor Haruna the project intended to unlock the opportunities in the auto sector as well as potential in the manufacturing industry with a view of creating employment, and skilled labour in this region and sub-Saharan Africa. It is expected to earn the country foreign exchange and stop the importation of vehicle spare parts.
Major vehicle manufacturers from different countries have indicated interest to operate from this facility. It also intended to provide the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company with the necessary support in the production of Armoured Vehicles. Once Fully taken up and equipped, the automotive park will be self-sustaining and also becomes a source of revenue to the government”
Amongst top management Staff of AFIT who received the EVC/CE and his team and conducted the inspection of AFIT facilities include the Provost of AFIT Prof Mohammed Dauda, the Registrar, Air Commodore Oluokun, the Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments.
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