By Our Correspondent

National News – President Bola Tinubu has called for the swift delivery of attack helicopters to reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that the protection of lives and sovereignty depends on timely access to modern air capabilities.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda on May 16, 2026, he stressed urgency in counterterrorism operations and the need for stronger global aviation partnerships.

He also highlighted ongoing procurement processes, including already ordered aircraft, as essential tools for national stability.

The meeting took place in Kigali during the Africa CEO Forum, where Tinubu held strategic talks with Airbus executives led by Thierry Cloutet, Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East.

Discussions focused on accelerating aircraft delivery, developing maintenance and hangar infrastructure in Nigeria, and expanding leasing and financing frameworks.

Both sides explored long-term cooperation aimed at positioning Nigeria as a regional aviation and defence hub, while improving operational readiness for both civilian and military aviation systems.

The president’s appeal underscores a simple truth: security is strongest when readiness is not delayed.

Beyond procurement, the vision extends to building local capacity, reducing downtime in aircraft maintenance, and ensuring Nigeria is not dependent on slow external logistics chains.

Airbus’ openness to collaboration signals potential long-term transformation of Nigeria’s aviation sector into a regional hub.

In essence, the initiative is both practical and philosophical—recognizing that peace is sustained not only by force, but by timely preparation, technological foresight, and strategic partnerships that anticipate threats before they fully emerge.

It is a reminder that security planning is most effective when it is proactive, not reactive.