President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration between the Federal Government, global aerospace giant Boeing, and the UK-based Cranfield University to build a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria. The initiative, announced at the opening of the maiden Nigerian International Airshow in Abuja, is positioned to transform the nation’s aviation landscape and drastically reduce the over $200 million spent annually by Nigerian airlines on foreign aircraft maintenance.
Speaking on Tinubu’s behalf, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the development as a pivotal milestone that will firmly position Nigeria on the global aviation stage. He likened the emergence of the Nigerian International Airshow to globally renowned events in Farnborough, Paris, and Dubai, noting that Nigeria is now asserting itself among established aviation nations.
Akume explained that formal agreements have been signed with Boeing and Cranfield University to establish state-of-the-art MRO facilities that will serve as a major cost-saving avenue for local operators. He highlighted that two domestic airlines,Aero Contractors and XEJet,are already playing leading roles in this transformation by setting up new operational hubs in Lagos and Abuja to support the project.
In line with the broader aviation reform strategy, the Federal Government is also pushing ahead with plans to establish a national aircraft leasing company. First hinted at by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the proposed firm will act as an intermediary between Nigerian airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and international lessors. Once operational, it will expand access to dry-leased aircraft, reduce financial burdens on operators, and strengthen their competitiveness on both local and international routes.
Akume further highlighted the sector’s recent achievements, noting that Nigeria’s aviation industry has witnessed significant growth. Passenger traffic reached 15.89 million in 2023 and is projected to rise to 25.7 million by 2029, according to figures from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. Annual industry revenue is expected to climb to $2.58 billion within the same period.
He revealed that the government is undertaking massive infrastructure upgrades, including the N712 billion reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and comprehensive modernization projects across six major airports and multiple runways. Nigeria’s regulatory performance has also improved markedly, with the country now ranked first in Africa for compliance with international aviation standards.
On international connectivity, Akume noted that Nigerian airlines are expanding their presence. Air Peace has increased its Lagos–London operations, while new Bilateral Air Services Agreements have enabled the return of Emirates and Uganda Airlines to Nigerian routes. The aviation sector currently contributes about 2.5 percent to Nigeria’s GDP, supported by 20 airports, 23 airlines, and thousands of highly trained workers.
Akume also emphasized Nigeria’s growing visibility on the global aviation stage. At the recent Dubai Airshow, the country showcased its expanding aerospace ambitions and signaled readiness to collaborate on cutting-edge aviation and defense technologies.
Looking ahead, the administration plans to establish Nigeria as the aviation hub of West and Central Africa through strategic public-private partnerships, enhanced training programs, and potential local manufacturing of aircraft components.
Closing his message, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Aviation and the organizers of the Nigerian International Airshow for turning a national vision into a globally recognized event. He honored the engineers, pilots, regulators, and innovators driving the sector’s progress, affirming that Nigeria aims not merely to participate but to lead in global aviation.
