The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Xejet’s state-of-the-art Flight Support and Engineering Hub today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The event marked a significant milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector and was attended by notable figures, including the director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; the managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, among others.
The ceremony featured a traditional symbolic shovel-in-the-ground moment with contributions from Kuku, Najomo and, later, Keyamo, signifying the official commencement of the project.
In his speech, Xejet CEO, Emmanuel Iza emphasised the transformative potential of the facility:
“This facility, whose foundation we lay today, will not only serve as a centre but also as a symbol of our commitment to innovation and expansion. It represents our pledge to elevate aviation services in Nigeria to global standards. Through cutting-edge technology, superior engineering, and unparalleled flight support, Xejet aims not only to improve operational efficiencies but also to provide an exclusive experience that distinguishes us in the industry. The establishment of this facility highlights our belief in Nigeria’s role as a leader in the aviation future of the continent. By investing in infrastructure and capabilities, we strive to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for connectivity, commerce and tourism.”
The project, 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 Xejet’s vision and Nigeria’s aviation potential.
During the event, the minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment for private sector growth:
“Our vision is to support the growth and development of local operators like this. Since we took office, we have been vocal about the need for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities and our desire to attract them into our aviation ecosystem, similar to those in other parts of the world. We’ve searched extensively for investors to establish MRO facilities here, and now we have an indigenous operator collaborating with local banks to realise this dream. This project is not just about an MRO; it also includes other facilities, such as a training centre. This is a significant achievement. The concept alone – securing backing and bringing it to fruition – is a dream come true.
“Furthermore, we have attracted similar projects to this part of the airport. Just a couple of weeks ago, we explored the area for an aircraft manufacturing company. While I can’t reveal all the details just yet, we will soon return for the groundbreaking ceremony of that venture. The government may not have all the funds to invest, but we must create an enabling environment and the right policies to support growth and development. Xejet, we will be with you every step of the way – from start to finish. Our technical team will ensure compliance with all regulations, and we will work together to ensure that what we create here is world-class. We aim to attract others from the West African sub-region to utilise this facility. This is just the beginning.”
The groundbreaking ceremony underscored the collaborative efforts of public and private stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s aviation industry. This hub is expected to enhance operational efficiency, attract investment and contribute to the nation’s long-term economic growth.
