The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish an aircraft manufacturing company in Nigeria, marking a historic step forward for the nation’s aviation industry. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Speaking at the inauguration of XeJet’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility and flight support center in Abuja, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced the groundbreaking initiative.
Keyamo described the plan as a game-changer for Nigeria’s aviation sector, aimed at empowering local operators and positioning the country as a regional hub for world-class aviation services.
“Since taking office, we’ve prioritized attracting MRO facilities to Nigeria, just like in other parts of the world. After searching far and wide for investors, we realized the solution was right here at home,” Keyamo said.
This state-of-the-art MRO facility represents a collaboration between XeJet and local banks, showcasing what Keyamo called a “dream come true.” In addition to its maintenance capabilities, the facility will feature a cutting-edge training center, which the minister hailed as a “huge achievement.”
A Vision for Regional and Global Impact
Keyamo emphasized that the project is not just for Nigeria but for the entire West African sub-region, adding:
“The dream is to make this facility a regional center for excellence, attracting aviation operators from across the continent.”
Similarly, Emmanuel Iza, CEO of XeJet, highlighted the broader vision to position Nigeria on the global map for aircraft manufacturing, repair, and operations.
“The goal is ambitious but achievable. We aim to contribute to aircraft manufacturing—whether it’s producing components like wings, landing gears, or tires. Nigeria has the talent and capability. All we need is the right environment and facilities to make it happen,” Iza stated.
Creating Jobs and Boosting Growth
Iza revealed that the project is poised to create thousands of job opportunities. Currently employing 300 Nigerians, XeJet anticipates quadrupling that figure with the facility’s completion.
The initial phase of the project, which involves preparing the site and constructing a taxiway to link the facility to the runway, has an estimated cost of $5 million. An additional $5 million will be invested in building the facility itself.
Aviation’s Bright Future in Nigeria
With plans to manufacture aircraft components and establish Nigeria as a hub for aviation services, this project signals a bright future for the country’s aerospace industry. The Federal Government’s commitment to fostering local talent and partnerships is a strong step toward achieving global recognition.
This development is more than just infrastructure—it’s a bold leap forward for Nigeria’s economic growth and technological advancement.
