Nigeria is moving toward manufacturing its own aircraft components, President Bola Tinubu has revealed, saying the plan is part of a broader push to make the country the aviation hub of West and Central Africa.
Speaking through the SGF, George Akume, at the Nigerian International Airshow, the President said the aviation sector could generate as much as $2.56 billion by 2029 if current growth continues. He described the airshow as a major milestone that finally puts Nigeria in the same league as global events held in Paris, Dubai and Farnborough.
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Tinubu noted that the industry has grown far beyond what it used to be. Passenger numbers, which stood at 15.89 million last year, are expected to rise to nearly 26 million by 2029. He said the government is heavily investing in infrastructure to support this growth, including a N712 billion overhaul of the Lagos airport and upgrades across major airports nationwide.
The President also highlighted Nigeria’s jump in global aviation compliance rankings, improving from 49.5% to 75.5% under the Cape Town Convention. This, he said, will help airlines access cheaper aircraft financing and attract foreign investors.
To reduce the over $200 million Nigeria spends yearly on foreign aircraft maintenance, Tinubu announced fresh agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University to build advanced MRO facilities in the country. Companies like Aero Contractors and XEJet are already preparing new hubs in Lagos and Abuja to support the shift.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the airshow signals Nigeria’s intention to lead and innovate, calling it more than just an event but a statement of ambition.
