Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo with the Airbus President for Africa and Middle East, Gabriel Semelas
The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with European aircraft manufacturing giant Airbus, in a strategic move aimed at transforming the country’s aviation and aerospace sector.
The agreement was formalised during an official working visit by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to Airbus’ global headquarters in Toulouse, France.
The deal is widely regarded as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reposition its aviation industry and build a resilient, future-ready aerospace ecosystem.
Accompanying the minister was a high-level delegation that included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mahmud Adam Kambari; Director General of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Engr. Farouk Umar; Director of Air Traffic Management, Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani; Director of Air Safety Administration, Engr. Michael Chukwu; Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo; and Director of Aerodrome and Air Standards, Ahmed Abba.
Under the terms of the MoU, Nigeria and Airbus will collaborate to accelerate the development of the country’s civil aviation ecosystem.
The partnership will focus on enhancing aviation infrastructure and strengthening human capital through targeted training and technical support.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Keyamo described the agreement as a decisive leap forward for the nation’s aviation ambitions.
“We are deeply honoured to engage in a long-term partnership with Airbus. This agreement aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerating the development of Nigeria’s aeronautical ecosystem in all its dimensions,” he said.
Also addressing stakeholders, Airbus President for Africa and the Middle East, Gabriel Semelas, highlighted Nigeria’s central role in Africa’s aviation future.
“Nigeria is at the heart of Africa’s aerospace opportunity, driven by its large population and growing economy. This agreement reflects our shared ambition to scale the civil aviation ecosystem in the country,” Semelas stated.
As part of the collaboration, Airbus will provide extensive technical support to Nigeria, including aviation market intelligence, training for pilots and maintenance crews, and advisory services in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations.
The partnership will also explore Nigeria’s potential participation in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, while investing in the training and development of the next generation of Nigerian aviation professionals.
The agreement builds on Airbus’ longstanding presence across Africa, where the company employs approximately 3,000 people.
It further underscores Airbus’ commitment to strengthening the continent’s aerospace ecosystem through local partnerships and skills development.
According to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast, Africa is expected to require approximately 1,490 new passenger and cargo aircraft by 2044.
In addition, demand for aviation professionals is projected to rise sharply, with the continent needing over 20,000 pilots, 20,000 maintenance engineers, and 21,000 cabin crew members to support expanding air travel.
The MoU is seen as a bold and strategic step towards positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Beyond enhancing infrastructure and expertise, the partnership is expected to unlock significant opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement within the aerospace sector.
