In a major push to establish Nigeria as the premier aviation centre for West and Central Africa, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled ambitious plans to commence the domestic manufacturing of aircraft components. The announcement was made at the landmark Nigerian International Airshow, signalling a new era for the sector.
Ambitious Growth Targets for Nigerian Aviation
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, President Tinubu projected a bright future for the industry. He revealed that annual revenue from the aviation sector is expected to soar to $2.58 billion by 2029. This growth is tied to a forecasted surge in passenger traffic, which is set to rise from 15.89 million in 2023 to 25.7 million within the same six-year period.
The President described the inaugural airshow as a historic milestone, placing Nigeria alongside global giants like Farnborough, Paris, and Dubai in hosting world-class aviation exhibitions. He traced the industry's journey from "humble beginnings to global ambitions," underscoring the government's commitment to aggressive infrastructure development.
Massive Infrastructure Upgrades and Strategic Partnerships
A cornerstone of this transformation is a ₦712 billion comprehensive refurbishment of Lagos's Murtala Muhammed Airport, alongside ongoing improvements at six other major airports and several runways nationwide. These upgrades are designed to support the anticipated growth and improve operational efficiency.
In a significant boost to investor confidence, Tinubu announced that Nigeria has sealed crucial agreements with aerospace giant Boeing and the renowned Cranfield University to establish advanced Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities within the country. This move is strategically aimed at curbing the annual capital flight of $200 million currently spent on maintaining aircraft overseas.
"Aero Contractors and XEJet are leading this transformation with new hubs in Lagos and Abuja," the President added, highlighting the role of private sector pioneers.
Enhanced Safety and International Connectivity
The administration's efforts have yielded tangible results in safety and global standing. Nigeria has remarkably improved its implementation of the Cape Town Convention, a key international treaty, boosting its score from 49.5% to 75.5%. This achievement now ranks Nigeria first in Africa for compliance with international aviation standards, enabling airlines to access cheaper aircraft financing and attracting more investment.
International connectivity is also expanding. Tinubu cited the successful resumption of Air Peace's Lagos-London route, the signing of new Bilateral Air Services Agreements, and the return of major carriers like Emirates and Uganda Airlines to Nigerian skies as evidence of a revitalised market. Aviation now contributes a notable 2.5% to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
A Sustainable Ecosystem for Jobs and Innovation
Reaffirming the vision of a regional aviation hub, President Tinubu stated that the strategy is driven by robust public-private partnerships, expanded training centres for aviation professionals, and the emerging blueprint for local aircraft component production. "We are building a sustainable ecosystem that creates jobs, drives innovation, and strengthens our economy," he declared.
Echoing this sentiment in the airshow's inaugural magazine, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, called the event a "historic" and bold step. He acknowledged it as a first attempt that would evolve, taken with "courage, conviction and clarity of purpose." Keyamo expressed confidence that the Nigeria International Airshow would, in time, stand "shoulder to shoulder with Paris, Dubai, Farnborough, and Singapore."
The Minister outlined further sectoral achievements, including advancements in safety and security, airport modernisation, improved aircraft leasing frameworks, and the ongoing digitalisation of Nigerian airspace. He reaffirmed plans to deepen private-sector involvement through concessions and partnerships for maintenance facilities, cargo terminals, and aviation city projects.
"This Airshow is more than an event; it is a statement of intent," Keyamo asserted. "It is a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead, innovate, and compete on the global stage."
