Nigeria has finalized a major partnership with Boeing and the UK’s Cranfield University to establish certified aircraft maintenance facilities on home soil. The agreement, announced at the inaugural Nigerian International Airshow, aims to reduce the $200 million that Nigerian airlines spend on overseas aircraft maintenance every year. The partnership, led by local operators Aero Contractors and XEJet, will lead to the development of new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hubs in Lagos and Abuja. This infrastructure push capitalizes on Nigeria’s robust aviation growth, where passenger traffic is projected to surge to 25.7 million by 2029. The deal builds upon a 2024 memorandum of understanding with Boeing and aligns with major airport upgrades nationwide. By developing this local expertise, Nigeria seeks to strengthen its aviation ecosystem and become a competitive regional hub for technical services.
Business Insider Africa
