The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo is leading a delegation of top executives from major Nigerian airlines to the United States for a week-long series of strategic discussions with Boeing.
The talks, which center around the introduction of new and used Boeing aircraft into the Nigerian market, underscore the American aerospace giant’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with Nigerian airline operators.
This disclosure was made in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Aviation Minister, Obafemi Bajomoon Monday, according to Nairametrics.
The visit, initiated at Boeing’s invitation, highlights efforts to boost operational efficiency, safety, and business practices within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
According to Bajomo, the collaboration is expected to provide Nigerian airlines with access to Boeing’s technical expertise, specialized training, and opportunities to acquire both new and used aircraft.
“In a significant development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has arrived in Charleston, South Carolina with CEOs of major Airline companies in Nigeria, marking the beginning of a week-long engagement with Boeing.
“This visit, which is on the invitation of Boeing, will also take him to Seattle, Washington.
“This strategic visit is expected to culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Working Together Agreement (WTA) between Boeing and Nigeria in the next few days, signaling a new era of cooperation aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency, safety, and business practices of Nigerian airline operators.
“The anticipated agreement will offer Nigerian airlines access to Boeing’s technical resources, training in airline operations, and opportunities to introduce new or used Boeing aircraft into the Nigerian market,” the statement read.
In recent months, Keyamo has been actively working to create opportunities for Nigerian domestic airlines to secure aircraft under more favourable conditions, aligning with global best practices.
His efforts aim to level the playing field for Nigerian operators, ensuring they can access aircraft leasing and purchasing options that are competitive with those available to airlines in other regions.
It was previously reported that the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, in his earlier initiatives pinpointed two critical challenges facing the Nigerian aviation sector.
First, he highlighted the requirement for insurance to be obtained from international sources before aircraft can be brought into Nigeria on dry-lease terms.
Second, he addressed the stringent conditions set by the Aviation Working Group, co-chaired by industry giants Airbus and Boeing.
This group has called for Nigeria to amend its legal framework to prevent local courts from impeding lessors’ ability to reclaim their aircraft, a move deemed essential for fostering a more robust and reliable leasing environment in the country.
