BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has made a persuasive appeal for strengthened collaboration between Boeing and Nigeria’s aviation industry.
In his discussions with Boeing’s top executives, Keyamo highlighted the crucial role that the global aircraft manufacturing behemoth could play in Nigeria’s aviation transformation, urging the company to boost its support and engagement with Nigeria.
Keyamo amplified the federal government’s ambitious plans to revitalise its aviation sector, emphasising President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to modernising infrastructure, enhancing safety standards, and fostering sustainable growth.
He emphasised Nigeria’s strategic location as a gateway to Africa, coupled with its rapidly expanding middle class and increasing air traffic, presenting Boeing with a prime opportunity to expand its presence in the region.
He said: “Now is the time for Boeing to deepen its partnership with Nigeria.
“We are not merely a market; we are partners in growth, innovation, and the future of aviation in Africa. We want Boeing to view Nigeria as its foremost ally on the continent; a nation eager to adopt cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions that will propel our aviation sector into a new era.”
The Minister also stressed the importance of capacity building and technical training, inviting Boeing to invest in initiatives aimed at developing Nigeria’s aviation workforce.
He noted that such investments would not only benefit Nigeria but also create a skilled workforce capable of serving the broader African aviation market.
Keyamo’s visit to Boeing’s headquarters comes at a pivotal moment as Nigeria is preparing for significant upgrades across its airports and is exploring new airline partnerships.
Discussions included potential orders for new aircraft to modernize the fleets of Nigeria’s national and private airlines; a move that could significantly boost Boeing’s sales and solidify its market position in Africa.
Boeing executives responded positively to Keyamo’s call, expressing their commitment to exploring deeper ties with Nigeria.
They recognized the country’s strategic importance in the global aviation market and its potential as a key player in Africa’s aviation ecosystem.
As the meeting concluded, there was a shared sense of optimism about the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Festus Keyamo’s proactive approach and clear vision for the future set the stage for what could be a transformative partnership between Nigeria and Boeing, promising mutual benefits and a stronger, more resilient aviation sector in Africa.
