FG Partners Private Firm for Aircraft Maintenance Facility

The Federal Government has signed a groundbreaking Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deal with a private firm to establish Nigeria’s first-ever Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for aircraft.

This move is expected to address the increasing demand for aircraft maintenance services in the country, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming overseas repairs.

A reliable source from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development confirmed the agreement, stating that the new facility will operate under the regulatory framework of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO).

The facility is expected to carry out a wide range of aircraft maintenance activities, including inspections, overhauls, repairs, and alterations, ensuring that local airlines no longer need to outsource such services abroad.

“This facility will significantly reduce the cost of aircraft maintenance for Nigerian airlines, which currently spend large amounts on sending their aircraft to foreign MRO centers,” the source explained.

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The facility is also expected to enhance the aviation infrastructure in Nigeria, which has long struggled with a dependence on international MRO services.

The timeline for the commencement of construction and the start of operations remains unclear. The ministry has indicated that the actual launch will depend on when the NCAA grants the necessary approvals and licenses.

The official added, “We are working diligently to ensure all necessary activities are in place for the contract to be fully operational before we announce any timelines for construction or operations.”

The initiative, which was first proposed in August by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Keyamo had emphasized the capital-intensive nature of such a project, underscoring the importance of involving private sector partners.