Nigeria has the largest number of private jets on the African continent, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who says the country’s strong business aviation market presents an opportunity to strengthen ties with global aircraft manufacturers.
Keyamo made the remark during a visit to Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montréal, Canada, where a Federal Government delegation held talks with the aircraft maker as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The visit marked the end of a series of engagements with four major aircraft manufacturers — Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier — focused on helping Nigerian airlines gain better access to modern aircraft, financing options and technical support.
The minister said the government’s goal is to create direct partnerships between Nigerian operators and leading manufacturers to support fleet renewal, improve safety, boost operational efficiency and promote long-term growth in the aviation industry.
He added that Nigeria’s large private aviation market provides a strong foundation for expanding collaboration with global industry players while opening up new opportunities for local operators.
The delegation included the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Nigeria’s representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Engr. Mahmoud Sani Ben-Tukur, alongside other government officials and aviation stakeholders.
During the visit, the Nigerian team toured Bombardier’s production and aircraft completion facilities and received briefings on aircraft maintenance, pilot and technical training, digital aviation technologies, aftermarket support and aircraft acquisition.
The Federal Government said the engagements are expected to support fleet modernisation, expand Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, strengthen engineering capabilities, improve aviation training and encourage technology transfer to Nigeria’s aerospace sector.
According to the government, the initiative forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at encouraging operators to acquire newer, safer and more fuel-efficient aircraft while building stronger partnerships with manufacturers, financiers and aircraft leasing companies.
Officials said the engagements with Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier align with the Tinubu administration’s plan to position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa through strategic international partnerships and sustained industry reforms.
