Nigeria is set to join the global aircraft manufacturing industry, as the Federal Government reveals plans to establish a local aircraft manufacturing company. This groundbreaking initiative was announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on his official X handle.
The announcement was further highlighted during the inauguration of XeJet’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility and flight support center on Wednesday in Abuja. Keyamo emphasized that the project aligns with the government’s vision to strengthen the nation’s aviation sector and empower local operators.
He lauded XeJet’s partnership with local banks, describing it as a pivotal step toward positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for aviation services. The minister stated, “Since we came into office, our focus has been on attracting MRO facilities to Nigeria, similar to what exists globally. After extensive searches for investors, we’ve realized that the solution lies right here at home. This collaboration between an indigenous operator and local banks is a dream come true.”
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Keyamo also highlighted the inclusion of a training center within the project, which he called “a monumental achievement.” He added, “This facility is not just for Nigeria; it is designed to attract users from across the West African sub-region, establishing it as a regional center of excellence.”
The Chief Executive Officer of XeJet, Emmanuel Iza, shared the company’s ambitious vision of positioning Nigeria as a player in the global aircraft manufacturing and operations landscape. He noted, “Our aim is to contribute to aircraft manufacturing, even if it’s components like wings, landing gears, or tires. Nigeria has the talent and ability; we just need the right environment and infrastructure to bring this vision to life.”
Iza also highlighted the significant job creation potential of the multi-million-dollar project, stating that XeJet currently employs around 300 people and anticipates quadrupling this number as the facility expands.
The first phase of the project involves preparing the site, including land grading and building a taxiway to connect the runway to the facility, with an estimated cost of $5 million. This is expected to pave the way for the construction of the main facility, which will require a similar financial investment.
This development positions Nigeria as a rising force in the aviation industry, with the potential to attract regional and global players to its shores.
