Some Nigerian stakeholders in Dublin, Ireland, canvassed on Tuesday to establish maintenance, repair, and overhaul in Nigeria. They made the call at the sideline of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global, in Dublin, Ireland. The Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global event commenced on January 12 and is expected to end on the 15. The event, which is part of Airline Economics Week, focuses on the latest developments and trends in the global aviation industry, with particular emphasis on the finance and leasing of aviation assets. Some stakeholders opined that establishing MRO in Nigeria would help reduce the forex required for overseas maintenance by local airlines and create jobs for some unemployed.
According to Herbert Odika, an MRO in Nigeria will reduce foreign exchange (forex) required for overseas maintenance by the local airlines. He said, ”The convention currently going on is an opportunity for Nigerian carriers to have the opportunity to negotiate for dry lease agreements. Airlines, banks, insurance companies, regulators, and the legislative arm of government are present here to ensure the lessors are able to reach agreements with some carriers. “However, the question for Nigeria is, if given the opportunity, will the maintenance culture be invoked to ensure compliance? Will the banks be strict enough to withhold funds meant to service agreements?”
He said that having the MROs in Nigeria would benefit the airlines irrespective of the risk assessments that would be carried out. He added that some carriers in Nigeria had proven to be credible regarding keeping to agreed terms. Similarly, Hadiza Usman, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy and coordination, said that prioritising MRO establishments would create jobs and save costs in Nigeria. Ms Usman, represented by Hendrix Odigie, delivery manager of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit at the event, described MRO as a critical component of the aviation industry that ensures the aircraft remain safe, reliable, and operationally efficient.
For Nigeria, developing a strong local MRO capability is essential as the country looks to expand its aviation sector, particularly with plans to adopt dry leasing arrangements with Boeing. Dry leasing allows airlines to lease aircraft without a crew or operational support, making local MRO services indispensable for maintaining and managing these aircraft efficiently.
”A robust MRO industry in Nigeria would reduce the reliance on foreign facilities, cutting down the demand for foreign exchange (forex) required for overseas maintenance,” she said. She added that building a local MRO would save airlines costs, enhance operational efficiency, and support the local economy by creating jobs and building technical expertise. The special adviser also said that strengthening local MROs aligned with the broader goal of reducing capital flight and fostering self-reliance in the aviation sector. She commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for streamlining regulatory frameworks to attract investment into MRO facilities as well as foster partnerships with global aviation leaders like Boeing. NAN
