President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a historic collaboration between the Federal Government, Boeing, and UK-based Cranfield University to set up a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility in Nigeria.
The initiative is projected to save airlines more than $200 million annually, currently spent on overseas maintenance.
Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja during the opening of the first Nigerian International Airshow.
Akume hailed the initiative as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s aviation sector, saying it positions the country “firmly on the global aviation map,” alongside renowned international airshows in Farnborough, Paris, and Dubai.
He said, “We have signed agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University to establish state-of-the-art MRO facilities, reducing the $200m annual capital flight for overseas maintenance. Aero Contractors and XEJet are leading this transformation with new hubs in Lagos and Abuja.”
In early November, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo indicated that the Federal Government plans to set up an aircraft leasing company in Nigeria. Once operational, the firm will act as an intermediary between Nigerian operators, international lessors, and aircraft manufacturers.
The MRO and aircraft leasing initiatives are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector by providing access to dry-leased aircraft and helping local operators compete more effectively with international airlines. Leading the MRO development, the government noted that Aero Contractors and XEJet are spearheading the transformation with new hubs in Lagos and Abuja.
Highlighting the government’s achievements in aviation, Akume said the industry has made significant progress while noting the ambitious goals ahead.
On infrastructural upgrades, global compliance, international connectivity, and overall aviation development, he stated, “Passenger traffic reached 15.89m in 2023 and is projected to hit 25.7m by 2029 by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, with annual revenue growing to $2.58bn.
“Massive infrastructure upgrades are underway, including the N712bn overhaul of Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport and modernization across six major airports and multiple runways. Regulatory performance has improved significantly, with Nigeria now ranking No. 1 in Africa for compliance with international aviation standards.”
Discussing the government’s breakthrough initiatives on international routes, Akume highlighted the expansion of Air Peace’s Lagos–London service and the role of new Bilateral Air Services Agreements in bringing back Emirates and Uganda Airlines.
He added that aviation now contributes 2.5 percent to Nigeria’s GDP, supported by 20 airports, 23 airlines, and thousands of skilled workers. Emphasising Nigeria’s growing global aviation presence, Akume noted that the country is not only hosting its first international airshow but is also actively asserting itself on the world stage.
“At the recent Dubai Airshow, Nigeria showcased its aerospace ambitions and signaled readiness to collaborate on next-generation aviation and defense technologies,” he stated.
He further stated that the administration’s long-term vision is to make Nigeria the aviation hub of West and Central Africa, adding, “Central to this goal are strategic public-private partnerships, renewed investment in training, and opportunities for local aircraft component manufacturing.”
