KEYAMO URGES LOCAL PRODUCTION IN AVIATION SECTOR

#  

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to develop local aviation technologies and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

Keyamo made the call at the opening of House of Tenposs, a creative entrepreneurship hub in Lagos, where he spoke on innovation and the future of Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace industry.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Service Delivery, Janet Oputa, the minister said opportunities existed in aircraft maintenance, drone manufacturing, sustainable aviation fuel and other areas of aviation technology.

He said developing local capacity would help conserve foreign exchange, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.

Keyamo also encouraged entrepreneurs to explore opportunities beyond traditional aviation businesses and develop technologies that could serve agriculture, logistics, infrastructure inspection and emergency services.

He highlighted sustainable aviation fuel as an area with local potential, noting that Nigeria has available agricultural feedstock and expanding refining capacity.

The minister also called for more investment in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities to reduce the need for Nigerian aircraft to undergo major maintenance abroad.

He cited the improvement in Nigeria’s compliance score under the Cape Town Convention and the establishment of the Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company as part of efforts to improve access to aircraft.

Keyamo said innovation and local production would be critical to the future growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.