The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has received a significant boost with the launch of an advanced engineer training program. Boeing has partnered with Aviation Techniks Academy to deliver a six-week specialized training engagement for personnel from United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet Aviation.
Training Program Details
The Boeing Technical Maintenance Training Programme will be hosted at the ATT Academy, providing a professional learning environment. CEO of Aviation Techniks and Training International Limited, Odutola Joshua Olawale, hailed the partnership, noting that bringing together aviation giants opens the industry to world-class opportunities. He expressed optimism that the training will provide expansion and transfer of skills and knowledge, as traveling abroad for such specialized training has become harder.
Industry Impact
Olawale added that ongoing reforms have renewed investors' confidence in the sector and predicted a boom in Nigeria's air travel business. Executive Sales Director for the African region at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Moore Ibekwe Jnr, said four factors have boosted the sector: access to credit and dry lease, improved technical capabilities, improved airport infrastructure, and a stronger regulatory environment.
He revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding between Boeing and Nigeria, with nine pillars, was signed in August 2024. The agreement covers enhanced technical support, airline operational safety support, and airport infrastructure development. Ibekwe stressed that aircraft maintenance has been a major issue, and with a forecast of 1,200 airplanes to be delivered to the continent in the next 20 years, about 77,000 aviation professionals will be needed.
Economic Significance
The service industry is worth about $130 billion, and bringing in these airplanes will create direct and indirect jobs. The goal is to ensure Nigeria becomes one of the countries in Africa with a fully developed aviation sector.
Consul General of the United States Consulate in Lagos, Rick Swart, hailed the partnership, saying it will help young Nigerians develop capability without leaving the country. He highlighted Boeing's long-standing commitment to the sector and noted that bilateral trade between the US and Nigeria grew by 15 percent in 2025, making Nigeria the US's second-largest trading partner in Africa.
Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Special Adviser Samuel Obafemi Bajomo noted that repressive policies holding back the sector have been reviewed. He said the partnership stems from reforms and an opened market, restoring lessor confidence and bringing back one of the largest lessors to Nigeria after 10 years.
Managing Director of United Nigeria Airlines, Osita Okonkwo, hailed the training, noting its importance to the sector. Managing Director of ValueJet, Captain Omololu Majekodunmi, added that it would be great to see a Boeing simulator in Nigeria and eventually start assembling Boeing aircraft in the country.
