Global aircraft manufacturer Airbus has announced plans to establish aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria as part of a broader partnership with the Federal Government aimed at boosting the country’s aviation and aerospace sector.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed this during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by Thierry Cloutet, Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the proposed maintenance facility as a major step toward positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for aviation services and aerospace development.
The President also emphasised the urgent need for modern military aircraft to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, calling for the accelerated delivery of three Apache attack helicopters already ordered by the country.
“Nigeria urgently needs attack helicopters that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” Tinubu said.
Discussions between both parties also covered the acquisition of the Airbus C-295 aircraft platform, defence aviation cooperation, aircraft leasing models, export credit arrangements, and long-term financing options for Nigerian airlines.
Tinubu further explored the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company in Nigeria to improve access to aircraft financing and unlock opportunities across the aviation value chain.
Airbus reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aviation development through what it described as a “360-degree engagement” covering commercial aviation, military cooperation, maintenance infrastructure, sustainability, satellite technology, and human capital development.
