Nigeria has manufacturered its first made-in-Nigeria helicopter.

 The helicopters which will soon be ready for flight was manufactured by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure. At the moment, the helicopters are undergoing environmental impact assessment test. 

The initiative is an arrangement between NASENI and Dynali of Belgium to transfer technology to Nigeria by producing Dynali-style choppers at a plant operated by the agency in Nigeria. 

The Guardian reports that on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, the helicopters will be launched officially in Nigeria in December 2021. The president also directed the NASENI to work towards bridging the gaps in research and technology that keeps Nigeria waiting on other countries for supplies and solutions, especially in tackling challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He also challenged the agency to play a more pivotal role in equipping the country during emergencies while encouraging research, upgrading local skills, fabrication, and international collaborations that would provoke growth in science and technology. Some Nigerians have been commenting on the news via social media Bello Abdulfattah wrote on Twitter:

 “NASENI and the government should give the first Nigeria-made helicopter adequate support needed to grow. With this, we could improve more on it and inspire other innovators in the country to do more. This is great and commendable.” 

Efe Onoefe wrote: “Good development. More of it.” Abdulfatai Mahmud wrote: “I will appreciate it more if foreigners are not involved in the production.” Idris Isyaku wrote: “Slowly slowly we are moving higher. May God continue to bless Nigeria and Nigerians.”