The Nigerian government is focused on upgrading the national aviation industry by prioritizing the procurement of safer, more economical aircraft. By fostering closer ties between domestic airlines and international entities—including financiers, lessors, and manufacturers—the government aims to bolster the local aviation market.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently headed a delegation of Nigerian airline operators to the Bombardier Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montréal, Canada. This visit, as noted by the Minister’s Special Adviser, Tunde Moshood, finalized a series of discussions with major global aircraft manufacturers.
Keyamo emphasized that the primary goal is to link local carriers with top-tier global manufacturers. This initiative is designed to increase indigenous capabilities, update existing fleets, and improve overall safety standards. The government’s recent discussions with Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, and Bombardier align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria into a leading aviation hub in Africa.
The delegation included significant figures such as NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo and FAAN Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku. This mission serves as a follow-up to the Minister’s 2023 promise to facilitate direct cooperation between local operators and international manufacturers to improve aircraft financing, maintenance, and airline competitiveness.