NASENI commissions UAV training centre in Kaduna

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commissioned a training centre for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Kaduna.

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, represented by the Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Kolade Ademuwagun, said the country must build the expertise to operate, maintain and adapt technologies to meet its security needs.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the NASCAV UAV Training Centre, the Minister said technological self-reliance went beyond acquiring equipment to developing the knowledge, skills and local capacity required to sustain it.

He warned that excessive dependence on foreign suppliers could expose Nigeria to vulnerabilities, particularly when access to technical information, equipment maintenance and critical security systems remained largely in the hands of external partners.

The Minister said developing local expertise would reduce dependence on foreign technology, minimise maintenance delays and improve the availability of equipment for security operations.

He added that indigenous technological capacity was essential to strengthening intelligence gathering and addressing the country’s security challenges.

He noted that UAVs had become important tools for surveillance, reconnaissance, infrastructure protection and intelligence gathering, stressing that their effectiveness depended on trained personnel, proper maintenance, sound operational procedures and responsible deployment.

NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, highlighted the importance of building indigenous technological capacity, particularly in equipment development, assembly, training and maintenance.

Halilu said Nigeria needed to invest in local knowledge and practical skills to ensure that technological innovations translated into tangible benefits for national development.

He emphasised the importance of sustained partnerships among government institutions, industry and technical organisations in developing solutions to the country’s challenges.

He also noted that UAV technology had applications beyond security, including agriculture, healthcare and other critical sectors.

According to him, developing local expertise would expand opportunities for young Nigerians while supporting innovation and economic growth.

Halilu urged the trainees to approach their work with discipline, curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, saying the long-term value of the facility would depend on the competence of the people trained and their ability to apply the knowledge acquired.