Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Takes Giant Leap with XE Jet Aircraft Hangar and MRO Facility
Oru Leonard
In a groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, officially kicked off the construction of XE Jet Aircraft Hangar and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility. This project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation sector, emphasizing the importance of indigenous initiatives and local financial support in driving sustainable development.
The facility, set to be constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has garnered support from Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank, reflecting strong confidence from the financial sector in XE Jet’s vision and Nigeria’s aviation potential. According to Emmanuel Iza, Managing Director of XE Jet, the facility will not only enhance Nigeria’s aviation capacity but also boost its economic standing.
Keyamo hailed the project as a transformative milestone, stating that it reflects the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for world-class MRO facilities. He emphasized the importance of local financial support, saying, “We’ve searched extensively for investors to establish MRO facilities here, and now we have an indigenous operator collaborating with local banks to realize this dream”.
The project is part of the government’s broader vision to position Nigeria as a regional aviation hub, driving economic growth and ensuring global competitiveness. With this facility, Nigeria is poised to become a major player in the aviation industry, providing world-class maintenance, repair, and overhaul services to the West African region.
