President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed a proposal by global aircraft manufacturer Airbus to establish aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria as part of efforts to position the country as a regional aerospace and aviation services hub.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between President Tinubu and Airbus executives at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the partnership would focus on developing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, aircraft hangars, aviation support infrastructure, and technical cooperation within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
President Tinubu said the initiative aligns with his administration’s drive to modernize Nigeria’s aviation industry, improve local maintenance capacity, and reduce dependence on foreign facilities for aircraft servicing.
The President also highlighted the need for improved aviation support for both commercial and security operations, stressing that Nigeria requires modern aircraft systems and infrastructure to strengthen national development and security efforts.
Airbus executives reportedly expressed interest in expanding long-term cooperation with Nigeria through investments in aviation services, defence support systems, satellite technology, sustainability projects, and manpower development.
The discussions also covered aircraft financing options for Nigerian airlines, including leasing arrangements and export credit support aimed at boosting the country’s aviation industry.
