NITT conducts first successful test flight of locally built drone

The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, has successfully conducted the maiden test flight of a drone developed by its in-house engineers at the Transport Technology Centre’s Drone Lab.

The test, which took place at the Institute’s headquarters in Zaria, marks a significant stride in Nigeria’s push for homegrown technological solutions, particularly in the transport and logistics sectors.

Director-General of NITT, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, who witnessed the event, expressed delight at the drone’s performance, describing it as a breakthrough in indigenous innovation.

“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Farah said. “We are positioning NITT to take the lead in integrating drone technology into Nigeria’s transport systems.”

He reiterated the Institute’s commitment to promoting homegrown solutions, stressing the importance of leveraging local engineering talent to drive technological progress.

Also speaking, the Director of the Transport Technology Centre (TTC), Dr. Joshua Odeleye, emphasized the strategic value of drones in modern transportation.

“Drone technology can transform logistics, enhance monitoring of emissions, and enable safer, smarter mobility,” he noted.

Dr. Odeleye added that the test flight was part of a broader research agenda aimed at deepening innovation and improving efficiency across Nigeria’s transport ecosystem.