The Federal Government has concluded a series of high-level engagements with the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers as it seeks to secure favourable aircraft acquisition and financing deals for Nigeria’s indigenous airlines.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to modernise the country’s aviation industry, strengthen the capacity of local carriers and improve their competitiveness in regional and international markets.
The latest engagement saw Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, lead a Nigerian delegation on a working visit to Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montréal, Canada.
The visit completed a strategic outreach programme that also included meetings with Boeing, Airbus and Embraer, the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.
Keyamo said the engagements were designed to establish direct relationships between Nigerian airline operators and global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
According to him, the initiative fulfils a commitment he made after assuming office in 2023 to help indigenous airlines gain easier access to modern aircraft, financing and technical partnerships.
The minister explained that the government’s engagement strategy is focused on supporting fleet renewal, improving aircraft financing opportunities, strengthening maintenance capabilities and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian carriers.
Addressing participants during the visit, Keyamo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating policies that promote the growth and sustainability of local airlines.
He said connecting Nigerian operators directly with aircraft manufacturers would unlock opportunities to modernise fleets, improve safety standards, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen indigenous aviation capacity.
The minister noted that closer collaboration with manufacturers would also expose Nigerian airlines to more flexible aircraft acquisition models, financing options and long-term technical support.
The Nigerian delegation toured Bombardier’s aircraft manufacturing and completion facilities, where they were introduced to the company’s production processes, maintenance infrastructure, pilot and engineering training programmes, digital aviation technologies and aftermarket support services.
Bombardier is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of business aircraft, producing the Challenger and Global series of executive jets, alongside maintenance, repair, training and technical support services.
According to government officials, the engagement is expected to open opportunities for collaboration in fleet modernisation, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, engineering support, aviation training, technical manpower development and aerospace technology transfer.
Industry stakeholders believe the initiative could help Nigerian airlines overcome one of their biggest challenges, access to affordable aircraft financing.
The direct engagement is expected to facilitate stronger relationships between Nigerian carriers, aircraft manufacturers, international financiers and aircraft leasing companies, making it easier for operators to acquire newer, safer and more fuel-efficient aircraft.
The visit to Bombardier marks the completion of the Federal Government’s strategic engagement with the four major global aircraft manufacturers—Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier.
The initiative forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader aviation reform agenda aimed at strengthening indigenous airlines, attracting investment, improving aviation infrastructure and positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Government officials said the partnerships are expected to accelerate fleet modernisation, enhance operational efficiency and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s air transport industry.
