BY Tony Obiechina, Abuja 

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) says it will partner with Caverton Helicopters to tackle challenges of repairs and assembling of Helicopters in Nigeria.

Both parties agreed when the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Prof Mohammed Sani Haruna led a delegation of the Agency to the company’s head office at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Social Media to the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, Mr Peter T. Ewu in Abuja quoted the CEO of the agency as saying the NASENI was ready and committed to partner with the company in areas of repairs, assembling, training, design and maintenance of helicopter amongst others.

“National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is the only on-purpose built intervention agency of the Federal Government under the Presidency whose mandate include nurturing an appropriate and dynamic Science and Engineering infrastructure base for achieving home initiated and home sustained industrialization for Nigeria. 

“The mandate of the Agency includes the development of relevant processes, capital goods and equipment necessary for job creation, national economic well-being and progress.

“It is our mandate to collaborate with organisations like Caverton Helicopters for national development and job creation. The essence of the collaboration is to optimally bring resources together and build a better economy,” he noted.

Responding, the Managing Director of Caverton Helicopters, Captain Bello Ibrahim, while welcoming the Agency team, said NASENI’s achievements in the aviation sector will go a long way in stabilising the repairs, maintenance of helicopters, even as he commended the agency for the production of made in Nigeria Helicopter.

“Collaborating with NASENI will make us learn a lot especially in infrastructural development, power sector development, production of equipment and workshops that will ensure we build our economy and provide jobs for young Nigerians,” he stated.

In his presentation, Captain Bello highlighted the achievements and way forward for the partnership. He said Caverton Helicopters Limited was established in September 2002 as a charter, shuttle and maintenance company. 

He said it was initially set up to bridge the gap in the onshore helicopter service sector. Since then, Caverton Helicopters has made strides into the offshore support (oil and gas) industry by providing logistics support to the major players. 

Caverton Helicopter operates out of a 10,000 square meter flight facility at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos.

 The company also owns and operates out of several purpose-built facilities in Victoria Island (The Ozumba Heliport), Port Harcourt (NAF Base), Warri and Cameroon.

The meeting concluded with inspection of facilities and setting up of technical committee to further identify areas of common interests towards a smooth partnership between the two organisations.