The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled a state-of-the-art maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility led by XEJet, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
During the groundbreaking ceremony for XEJet’s flight support and engineering hub in Abuja on Monday, Keyamo announced plans to establish an aircraft manufacturing company in the near future. “Very soon, we will return here for the groundbreaking ceremony of an aircraft manufacturing company,” he stated.
This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s aviation development agenda, as emphasized by Keyamo. “Our administration is committed to supporting local operators and attracting MROs to Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. XEJet’s initiative is a significant step forward in this vision.”
Keyamo highlighted the government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for such projects, including collaborations with indigenous banks and top-tier construction companies. “We will be here with you (XEJet) throughout the process. Our technical teams and regulatory bodies will ensure that what we have here is world-class,” he assured.
The minister expressed confidence that the facility would draw users from across the West African sub-region, leveraging Nigeria’s large population, economy, and aviation traffic. “This is just the beginning. Nigeria is big enough to support and sustain such ambitious projects, and we are proud to be associated with this,” he concluded.
Emmanuel Iza, CEO of XEJet, also spoke at the event, describing the facility as more than just a maintenance and repair operation. “Our vision is to position Nigeria on the global map of aircraft manufacturers. Even if we cannot produce an entire aircraft, we aim to contribute components like wings, landing gears, or tires.” He emphasized that Nigeria possesses the talent and capability to achieve these goals, provided the right environment and facilities are in place.
Iza noted that XEJet currently employs nearly 300 people, and the new facility could expand this number three to four times. He outlined the project’s phased approach, starting with a $5 million investment for ground preparation, taxiways, and aprons, followed by a substantial investment in structural development.
The facility will include a private terminal for business aviation featuring world-class amenities such as a conference center, pilot accommodations, and safety-compliant crew quarters. Additionally, it will have a separate access route from Bill Clinton Way, ensuring exclusive entry for business aviation passengers.
“This isn’t just an MRO; it’s an engineering center designed to position Nigeria among Original Equipment Manufacturers. If we can’t produce an Airbus A380, we should at least be able to produce components that contribute to it,” Iza added.
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