BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and private sector operators, saying closer partnerships are critical to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s aviation industry and accelerating national economic development.
Sanusi made the call during the visit of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), Hadiza Bala Usman, to Aero Contractors’ facilities, where she toured the airline’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre.
The visit focused on assessing the airline’s operational capacity and exploring ways government can support private investors to deepen growth in the aviation sector and increase its contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Speaking after the facility tour, Sanusi described the visit as a significant step towards fostering stronger engagement between government and industry players.
“It was an honour to welcome Hadiza Bala Usman to Aero Contractors. I had the pleasure of taking her on a tour of our operations, particularly our Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre, which continues to position Aero Contractors as a strategic aviation asset capable of supporting operators across West and Central Africa,” he said.
According to him, what stood out during the visit was Bala Usman’s keen interest in understanding the operational realities of the aviation business and her commitment to identifying policy measures that would strengthen the industry.
“What impressed me most was not only her genuine curiosity and the depth of her questions, but her sincere interest in how government can better support the growth of our aviation industry. Though not an aviator by background, her command of policy, performance and institutional development was evident throughout—a reflection of the results-driven mandate she leads at the CRDCU,” Sanusi stated.
He stressed that direct engagement between policymakers and industry stakeholders is essential for creating policies that encourage investment, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the sector.
“Her visit reinforced the value of constructive collaboration between government and industry. When public servants engage directly with stakeholders, ask the right questions and focus on practical solutions, they help create the environment in which businesses thrive and contribute even more to national development,” he said.
Sanusi expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry, noting that committed public officials working closely with private operators would enhance the sector’s competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
He also commended Bala Usman for taking time to visit the airline and wished her success in her national assignment.
Aero Contractors said the visit also enabled the company to showcase its engineering capabilities, particularly its MRO facility, which it described as one of Nigeria’s critical aviation assets serving airlines within the country and across the West and Central African region.
According to the airline, the MRO has built decades of engineering expertise and operates with internationally recognised standards backed by a highly skilled workforce dedicated to aircraft maintenance and safety.
The company noted that Bala Usman expressed satisfaction with the quality of equipment, technical capacity and personnel at the maintenance facility, describing the visit as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration aimed at developing Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Aero Contractors added that every aircraft serviced at its MRO reflects its commitment to operational excellence, innovation and the continued growth of aviation on the African continent.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
