Caverton Offshore Support Group has signed a partnership with ShenZhen University of Information Technology in China to advance drone production, research and training in Nigeria.
According to a statement made available to Saturday PUNCH, the Memorandum of Understanding was formalised on Friday in Lagos, with stakeholders describing the move as a major step toward boosting Nigeria’s capacity in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle technology.
The statement stated that an aviation expert with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Akinsete Olushina, commended Caverton for consistently embracing cutting-edge technology.
He said the collaboration marked a significant shift in aerial operations as drones continued to take over most rotary aerial tasks globally.
Akinsete said the new venture would deepen drone assembly, training and standards in Nigeria.
The expert added that Caverton’s investment and the support from its Chinese partners showed a clear path toward Nigeria’s technological growth.
Caverton’s Chief Operating Officer, Rotimi Makanjuola, traced the company’s growth from oil and gas operations to marine services, helicopter maintenance, and drone innovations.
He said the Maintenance, Repair and Operations centre had served clients across West and Southern Africa, including military agencies, and had contributed to training over 200 Nigerian pilots and engineers.
Makanjuola announced that Caverton had also received a licence to operate cargo services as part of its expansion, adding that the firm recently powered Nigeria’s first Drone Soccer training programme to promote youth interest in aviation technology.
On his part, the President of ShenZhen University of Information Technology, Wang Hui, said the institution was committed to a long-term partnership with Caverton in drone training, research and manufacturing.
He said the university would deploy experts to Nigeria to support UAV development and capacity building.
