Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility spearheaded by XEJet in Abuja. At the groundbreaking ceremony held on Monday, Keyamo also revealed plans for launching an aircraft manufacturing company soon.

Keyamo’s Announcement

During the ceremony, the minister emphasized that the establishment of the MRO facility aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to enhance the aviation sector.

“Very soon, we are going to return here for the groundbreaking ceremony of an aircraft manufacturing company,” he stated.

Keyamo highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for such initiatives, citing partnerships with indigenous banks and reputable construction companies as part of the strategy.

“We have been seeking to attract MROs to Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, and XEJet’s initiative is a significant step forward. This aligns with our administration’s vision to support local operators,” Keyamo said.

Facility Features

The XEJet hub is designed to:

• Provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for aircraft across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
• Include a private terminal for business aviation, complete with a conference center, pilot accommodations, and safety-compliant crew quarters.
• Feature world-class amenities with a separate access route from Bill Clinton Way, offering exclusive entry for business aviation passengers.

XEJet’s Vision

Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Iza, CEO of XEJet, described the project as a leap toward positioning Nigeria as a global player in aviation innovation.

“The vision is to put Nigeria on the map of aircraft manufacturers. Even if we cannot produce an entire aircraft, we aim to contribute components like wings, landing gears, or tires,” Iza said.

He highlighted the immense potential of Nigeria’s aviation industry, leveraging local talent and resources:

• XEJet currently employs nearly 300 people, with plans to triple or quadruple this figure as the project progresses.
• The project’s first phase involves a $5 million investment for ground preparation, taxiways, and aprons, followed by additional structural developments.

Regional Impact

Keyamo expressed confidence that the facility would attract clients from across West Africa, capitalizing on Nigeria’s large population, economy, and aviation traffic.

“This is just the beginning. Nigeria is big enough to support and sustain such ambitious projects. We are proud to be associated with this,” he concluded.

Broader Goals

The facility goes beyond maintenance, aiming to make Nigeria a player in the list of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). With plans to manufacture aircraft components, the project seeks to elevate Nigeria’s position in the global aviation industry.

Conclusion

The XEJet MRO facility marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation development, promising to boost local talent, attract foreign investments, and position the country as a hub for aerospace innovation. With plans for an aircraft manufacturing company in the pipeline, Nigeria’s aviation sector is set for a transformative era.