NASENI opens Kaduna UAV centre, eyes tech independence

The Federal Government has called for increased investment in indigenous defence and security technology to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign suppliers, as the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure inaugurated an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle training centre in Kaduna on Monday.

The Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd.), who was represented by the Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology, Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Ademuwagun, said developing local expertise was crucial to strengthening national security and ensuring the effective maintenance of critical equipment.

He warned that excessive dependence on foreign technology could expose the country to security vulnerabilities, particularly when access to technical information and maintenance services remained in the hands of external partners.

“Technological self-reliance goes beyond acquiring equipment. It requires the knowledge, skills and local capacity to operate, maintain and sustain the technology we depend on,” Musa said.

He described UAVs as important tools for surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and infrastructure protection, stressing that their effectiveness depended on trained personnel and proper maintenance.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, said the centre was designed to build indigenous technological capacity through practical training, equipment development, assembly and maintenance.

“At NASENI, we understand that equipment alone cannot industrialise a nation. Every productive investment needs people who understand how it works, how to improve it, and how to keep it working,” Halilu said.

He added that the facility would equip young Nigerians with practical skills to improve their employment prospects, establish businesses and develop home-grown solutions to the country’s challenges.

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described the initiative as an investment in human capital development, saying vocational training was essential to economic renewal, job creation and social inclusion.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the NASENI Skill Development Centre in Rigachikun, the governor disclosed that 4,050 people graduated in August from the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development’s campuses in Rigachikun, Soba and Samaru Kataf.

He said the graduates were trained in 14 trades, including electrical installation, solar installation, mechatronics, aluminium fabrication, computer hardware repairs, catering and fashion design.

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“Government has a responsibility to create conditions in which these qualities can flourish through relevant training, recognised qualifications and fair access to productive opportunities,” Sani said.

The governor added that the institute had secured accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education, while its instructors had received training in quality assurance and assessment.

“These measures strengthen the credibility of assessment and certification, giving employers greater confidence in the competence of our graduates,” he said.

Sani said the new centre should complement existing institutions and provide training that meets industry needs, with clear pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

He also emphasised inclusion, calling for greater opportunities for women, persons with disabilities and young people in underserved communities.

Highlighting the UAV centre’s female-led structure, the governor said at least 60 per cent of its participants were women.

“This is a deliberate statement that the future of aviation and technology in Nigeria must be shaped and led by women,” he said.

Sani noted that UAV technology could support agriculture, security operations and infrastructure monitoring, while creating opportunities for skilled young Nigerians.

Earlier, a private-sector partner, Rotimi Makonuola, said the centre would expand UAV training and strengthen Nigeria’s technical workforce.

The stakeholders urged sustained collaboration among government institutions, technical organisations and private-sector partners to promote indigenous innovation, develop skilled manpower and reduce the country’s reliance on imported technology.