The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturing giants, accelerate the development of a robust and sustainable aerospace ecosystem.
as part of the working visit of
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo during his working visit to the company’s global headquarters in Toulouse, France as part of efforts to reposition the aviation sector.
Under the terms of the MoU, Airbus and th Nigeria would collaborate to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s civil aviation ecosystem through targeted support in aviation infrastructure development and human capital enhancement.
Speaking, Keyamo described the agreement as a strategic leap forward for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The minister in a statement issued on Monday by his Specil Adviser on Media, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo said the agreement aligned with the federal government’s commitment to accelerating the development of Nigeria’s aeronautical ecosystem in all its dimensions.
Also, President of Airbus for Africa and the Middle East, Gabriel Semelas, emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance in the global aviation landscape.
He noted:“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.
“By leveraging local talent and infrastructure, we are committed to fostering long-term growth and developing human capability to secure the continent’s aviation future.”
As part of the partnership, Airbus would provide comprehensive technical support, including aviation market intelligence, crew and maintenance training, and advisory services on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations.
The collaboration would also explore Nigeria’s potential role in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, while supporting the training and development of the next generation of Nigerian aviation professionals.
This agreement builds on Airbus’ longstanding presence in Africa, supported by a workforce of approximately 3,000 employees across the continent.
It reinforces the company’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s aerospace ecosystem through local partnerships, skills development, and the advancement of technical expertise.
According to Airbus’s latest Global Market Forecast, Africa is projected to require approximately 1,490 new passenger and cargo aircraft by 2044.
Furthermore, demand for skilled aviation personnel is expected to surge significantly, with the continent needing over 20,000 pilots, 20,000 maintenance engineers, and 21,000 cabin crew members to meet anticipated growth in air travel.
The MoU represents a bold step toward positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa, while unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement in the aerospace sector.