FG Completes Global Aircraft Manufacturers’ Engagement to Modernise Nigerian Fleets
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry by connecting indigenous airline operators directly with the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers to support fleet modernisation, improve safety and ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
According to a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development , Tumde Moshood, the Minister, Festus Keyamo, made the declaration on 9th July, 2026 during a working visit to Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre in Montréal, Canada, where he led a delegation of Nigerian airline operators and aviation officials.
According to the minister, the Federal Government’s objective has remained to create opportunities that will strengthen indigenous capacity, modernise airline fleets, enhance operational efficiency and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian carriers.
“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,” Keyamo said.
The visit marked the completion of Nigeria’s strategic engagement with the world’s major aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), following similar meetings with Boeing, Airbus and Embraer.
Keyamo was accompanied by 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 Organization (ICAO), Engr. Mahmoud Sani Ben-Tukur; alongside other senior government officials and aviation stakeholders.
The engagement forms part of a commitment made by the minister after assuming office in 2023 to establish direct partnerships between Nigerian operators and leading aircraft manufacturers worldwide.
According to Keyamo, the OEM engagement programme is designed to facilitate fleet renewal, improve access to aircraft financing, deepen technical cooperation, strengthen maintenance capabilities and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian airlines.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation toured Bombardier’s aircraft manufacturing and completion facilities, where they were introduced to the company’s maintenance support systems, pilot and technical training programmes, digital technologies, aftermarket services and aircraft acquisition solutions.
The engagement is expected to open new opportunities for collaboration in fleet modernisation, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), engineering support, technical capacity development, aviation training and aerospace technology
Keyamo noted that the visit also advances its fleet modernisation agenda by encouraging the acquisition of newer, safer and more fuel-efficient aircraft while fostering stronger partnerships among aircraft manufacturers, financiers, lessors and Nigerian operators.
With the completion of engagements involving Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier, Keyamo said the Federal Government has taken another step towards repositioning Nigeria as Africa’s preferred aviation hub through strategic international partnerships, private-sector collaboration and sustainable aviation reforms.
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