Keyamo Unveils XEJet’s Aviation Hub, Announces Plans for Aircraft Manufacturing in Nigeria
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has inaugurated a cutting-edge maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility led by XEJet, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation sector.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for XEJet’s Flight Support and Engineering Hub in Abuja on Monday, Keyamo also announced the government’s plan to establish an aircraft manufacturing company in the near future.
“Very soon, we will be back here for the groundbreaking of an aircraft manufacturing company,” he declared.
Boosting Nigeria’s Aviation Industry
Keyamo emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s aviation development agenda, particularly its efforts to support local operators and attract MRO investments into Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This aligns with our administration’s vision to support local operators. We have been working to attract MROs to Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, and XEJet’s initiative is a major step forward,” he stated.
He further highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for such projects, including collaborations with indigenous banks and top-tier construction firms.
“We will stand with XEJet throughout the entire process, from start to finish. Our technical teams and regulatory agencies will ensure that this facility meets world-class standards,” Keyamo assured.
Attracting West African Aviation Market
The minister expressed optimism that the new facility would serve not only Nigeria but also attract users from across West Africa, leveraging the country’s large economy, population, and aviation traffic.
“This is just the beginning. Nigeria has the capacity to sustain ambitious projects like this, and we are proud to be part of it,” he concluded.
XEJet’s Vision for Aircraft Manufacturing
Speaking at the event, XEJet’s Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Iza, described the facility as more than just an MRO, stating that the company aims to position Nigeria on the global aviation map.
“The vision is to put Nigeria on the list of aircraft manufacturers. Even if we can’t build a full aircraft, we aim to produce components like wings, landing gears, or tires,” Iza explained.
He emphasized that Nigeria possesses the talent and potential to achieve this goal, provided the necessary infrastructure and support are in place.
Currently, XEJet employs nearly 300 workers, and with the new facility, Iza projects a three- to fourfold increase in employment opportunities.
A Multi-Phase, Multi-Million-Dollar Investment
The aviation hub will be developed in phases, starting with an initial $5 million investment for ground preparation, taxiways, and aprons, followed by substantial funding for structural development.
The facility will also feature a private terminal for business aviation, equipped with:
• A conference center
• Pilot accommodations
• Safety-compliant crew quarters
• An exclusive access route from Bill Clinton Way for VIP passengers
Nigeria’s Future in Aerospace Innovation
Iza stressed that the ultimate goal is for Nigeria to become an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the aviation industry.
“If we can’t produce an Airbus A380, we should at least manufacture components that contribute to it,” he added.
With the support of the government and strategic partnerships, XEJet’s initiative could mark the beginning of Nigeria’s emergence as a key player in aerospace development and innovation.
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