The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has led a Nigerian delegation to Toulouse, France, where the Federal Government signed a Working Together Agreement with global aircraft manufacturer Airbus aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation sector.
The agreement, signed at Airbus headquarters during a high-level engagement, focuses on expanding Nigeria’s aviation capacity, improving technical infrastructure, and developing human capital within the industry.
According to Keyamo, the partnership is expected to leverage the successful deployment of the Airbus A220 aircraft already in operation with Ibom Air, positioning Nigeria as a potential hub for regional and continental air travel.
A major component of the agreement is infrastructure and technical support, under which Airbus will provide advisory services for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, as well as assistance in flight operations management and aviation market analysis.
The deal also places strong emphasis on workforce development, with plans to create training opportunities for Nigerian pilots, engineers, and cabin crew as part of a broader strategy to generate high-value jobs for young professionals in the sector.
Market projections cited during the visit referenced Airbus’ global forecast, which estimates a demand for 1,490 new aircraft in Africa over the next two decades. Nigeria, according to the minister, intends to position itself strategically to secure a significant share of this growth, leveraging its geographical location as a regional aviation gateway.
The delegation also agreed on further technical exchanges, including planned inspections of Airbus’ Defence and Space as well as Helicopter divisions in subsequent engagements.
Members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Airline Operators of Nigeria, and other key industry stakeholders participated in the visit, with all attendees reportedly funding their participation independently.
