FG to Establish Aircraft Manufacturing Firm in Nigeria: Festus Keyamo

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the Federal Government’s plan to establish an aircraft manufacturing firm in the country.

Keyamo made the announcement during the launch of XeJet’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility and flight support center in Abuja.

He revealed that the initiative is a collaboration between XeJet, a private aviation company, and indigenous banks, reflecting a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to boost the aviation sector.

Speaking at the event, Keyamo highlighted that the proposed aircraft manufacturing firm aims to transform Nigeria into a regional hub for aviation services.

He emphasized that the project aligns with the government’s vision to support local operators and foster growth in the industry.

“Since we came to office, we’ve been focused on attracting MRO facilities to our aviation ecosystem, just as they exist in other parts of the world. We’ve searched far and wide for investors, but now we see that what we were looking for elsewhere is right here at home. This collaboration between an indigenous operator and local banks is a dream come true,” he said.

Keyamo further noted that the project’s scope would include a training center, which he described as a “huge achievement” for the country.

“This development will not only serve Nigeria but will attract users from across the West African sub-region. That’s the dream — to make this facility a regional center for excellence,” the minister added.

The aircraft manufacturing firm, alongside XeJet’s new MRO facility, is expected to significantly reduce dependency on foreign aviation services, create jobs, and enhance technical expertise within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The initiative has been lauded as a step towards achieving self-sufficiency in aviation services, with stakeholders expressing optimism about its potential impact on the nation’s economy and regional influence.