Nigeria Leads Africa With Nearly 240 Private Jets, Says Keyamo, Pushes for Local Aircraft Maintenance Hub

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that Nigeria has the largest private jet fleet in Africa, with nearly 240 privately owned aircraft currently operating in the country.

Keyamo made the revelation during a strategic meeting with Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Inc. in Montreal, where discussions focused on establishing a major aircraft maintenance, repair and service centre in Nigeria.

According to the minister, the proposed maintenance facility is aimed at reducing the huge amount of foreign exchange spent on servicing aircraft abroad while creating skilled jobs, strengthening local technical expertise and positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for business aviation.

“Nigeria officially has the highest number of private jets in Africa with nearly 240 presently operating within the country, and so much foreign currency is repatriated weekly from the country for the maintenance of these aircraft,” Keyamo said.

He noted that developing a world-class maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria would significantly reduce operational costs for aircraft owners, improve turnaround time for maintenance services and boost the country’s aviation industry.

The engagement with Bombardier forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation reform agenda aimed at modernising the sector through strategic partnerships with leading global aircraft manufacturers and service providers.

The ministry said the initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency, build local technical capacity, attract investment into the aviation sector and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a leading aviation hub on the African continent.