Amanze Chinonye
President Tinubu has announced a landmark partnership between the Federal Government, global aircraft manufacturer Boeing, and UK-based Cranfield University to establish a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.
The announcement was made at the opening of the maiden Nigerian International Airshow in Abuja, where the President was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The initiative aims to cut airline maintenance costs by over $200 million annually, currently lost to overseas servicing, while positioning Nigeria as a key aviation hub in West and Central Africa.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to Akume, the agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University will deliver state-of-the-art MRO facilities, enhancing local technical capacity and reducing capital flight. He highlighted that Aero Contractors and XEJet are leading this transformation with new hubs in Lagos and Abuja.
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Prime Business Africa reports that the project is part of a broader aviation development strategy, including infrastructural upgrades, regulatory improvements, and expanded international connectivity. Passenger traffic, which reached 15.89 million in 2023, is projected to hit 25.7 million by 2029, with aviation revenue expected to grow to $2.58 billion.
Key infrastructure initiatives include a ₦712 billion overhaul of Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport and modernization works across six major airports.
Akume emphasized that Nigeria’s aviation industry is increasingly visible on the global stage, citing Air Peace’s expanded Lagos–London service, the return of Emirates and Uganda Airlines through new Bilateral Air Services Agreements, and Nigeria’s participation at the recent Dubai Airshow to showcase aerospace ambitions and next-generation technologies.
The administration’s long-term goal is to strengthen public-private partnerships, invest in local training, and explore domestic aircraft component manufacturing, positioning Nigeria as a regional aviation leader. “Together, we will continue to soar higher, ensuring that Nigeria is not just a participant but a leader in global aviation,” Akume stated.
The project, which also includes plans for an aircraft leasing company to facilitate local access to dry-leased aircraft, is expected to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global aviation market and create opportunities for thousands of skilled workers.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
