In a groundbreaking announcement, Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has revealed the Federal Government’s intention to establish an aircraft manufacturing firm within the country. This declaration was made during the launch of XeJet’s new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, alongside a flight support center in Abuja.
Keyamo highlighted that this ambitious project would be a collaborative effort between XeJet and indigenous Nigerian banks, marking a significant step towards reducing the dependency on foreign manufacturing and services in the aviation sector. He stated, “Since we came to office, we’ve been focused on attracting MRO facilities to our aviation ecosystem, just as they exist in other parts of the world.”
The minister expressed satisfaction with the realization that the solution to creating a robust aviation industry was not in seeking foreign investment but in leveraging local resources and expertise. “We’ve searched far and wide for investors, but now we see that what we were looking for elsewhere is right here at home. This collaboration between an indigenous operator and local banks is a dream come true,” Keyamo remarked.
The initiative is not only aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure but also at positioning the country as a regional hub for aviation services. Keyamo emphasized the potential of this project to serve not just Nigeria but the entire West African sub-region, promoting Nigeria as a center for aviation excellence. He added, “This development will not only serve Nigeria but will attract users from across the West African sub-region. That’s the dream — to make this facility a regional center for excellence.”
Moreover, the minister touched upon the importance of expanding the scope of this project by including a training center, which he described as “a huge achievement.” This would ensure that alongside manufacturing, there would be a focus on skills development, furthering the self-sufficiency of the Nigerian aviation sector.
This move by the Nigerian government, spearheaded by Keyamo, signifies a transformative approach to aviation development, aiming to bolster local industry, create jobs, and foster technological advancement within the country. It reflects a broader vision of economic diversification and self-reliance, setting a precedent for how indigenous partnerships can be leveraged for national development.
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