BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Government has concluded its round of strategic engagements with major global aircraft manufacturers with a working visit to Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montréal, Canada.
The delegation was led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. It included the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Nigeria’s representative on the council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Engr. Mahmoud Sani Ben-Tukur; as well as other government officials and industry stakeholders.
The visit marked the completion of the Federal Government’s engagement programme with leading aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), following earlier meetings with Boeing, Airbus and Embraer.
The programme is aimed at supporting fleet renewal, improving access to aircraft financing, expanding technical cooperation, strengthening maintenance capabilities and boosting the competitiveness of Nigerian airlines.
Speaking during the visit, Keyamo said the government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for indigenous operators.
“Our objective has always been clear, to connect Nigerian operators directly with the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers and create opportunities that will strengthen indigenous capacity, modernise our fleets, improve safety, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our aviation industry,” the minister said.
Bombardier, a Canadian aircraft manufacturer, produces the Challenger and Global series of executive jets and provides aircraft completion, maintenance, training and aftermarket support services. The government said the engagement aligns with ongoing reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s business and non-scheduled aviation sector.
During the tour, members of the Nigerian delegation were briefed on Bombardier’s aircraft manufacturing and completion processes, maintenance support systems, pilot and technical training programmes, digital technologies and aircraft acquisition solutions.
Officials said the discussions are expected to open opportunities for cooperation in fleet modernisation, maintenance, repair and overhaul services, engineering support, technical capacity development, aviation training and aerospace technology transfer.
The visit is also expected to support the government’s fleet modernisation agenda by encouraging the acquisition of newer, safer and more fuel-efficient aircraft while strengthening ties among aircraft manufacturers, financiers, lessors and Nigerian operators.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development said the completion of engagements with Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier reflects the Tinubu administration’s effort to reposition Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa through international partnerships, private-sector collaboration and industry reforms.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
