The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the establishment of a Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company, marking a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the nation’s aviation sector.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this significant development following the conclusion of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held yesterday.
The initiative entails the creation of a private-sector-led Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), backed by the Federal Government, designed to provide sustainable and structured access to aircraft for domestic and regional airline operators.
According to the Minister, the establishment of the leasing company will fundamentally reshape aircraft acquisition in Nigeria and across the African region by offering a centralized, sovereign-backed platform through which airlines can access modern fleets.
“This initiative is a game-changer for our aviation industry. It eliminates the long-standing challenges Nigerian airlines face in accessing aircraft on competitive terms and positions the country as a hub for aviation financing in Africa,” the Minister opined.
The new leasing framework will significantly enhance fleet access for Nigerian carriers, allowing them to acquire aircraft through a single, credible, government-backed entity rather than navigating the complexities of individual financing arrangements. This access will also be extended to operators across West Africa and the broader African continent.
In terms of operational capacity, the initiative is expected to strengthen the ability of local airlines to efficiently service domestic routes, reducing the frequency of flight cancellations and delays. It will also empower Nigerian carriers to better compete with international airlines that currently dominate the market.
Notably, the structure of the SPV ensures a zero-cost revenue model for the Federal Government. Through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the government will hold equity and earn revenue without direct financial investment. Its primary obligation will be to provide sovereign guarantees to lessors and financiers, particularly in ensuring the repossession of aircraft when necessary.
The initiative has already generated strong investor confidence, with leading African financial institutions and international investors expressing keen interest in participating. Nigeria’s high passenger traffic volume and its strategic geographic position continue to make it an attractive destination for aviation investment.
Keyamo emphasised that this approval aligns with the broader vision of the administration to deepen private sector participation, improve infrastructure, and position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub on the continent.
“This is not just a policy decision; it is a strategic intervention aimed at unlocking growth, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term sustainability in our aviation ecosystem,” he added.
The establishment of the Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company represents a bold step toward strengthening the aviation value chain, fostering regional connectivity, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global aviation market.
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