Madrid, Spain – In a strategic move to boost Nigeria’s aviation and defense sectors, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called on Airbus to establish aircraft maintenance hubs in Nigeria rather than limiting engagement to aircraft sales.
The minister made the call during a high-level visit to the Airbus Operations Facility in Getafe, Madrid, as part of his official tour to Spain. The Getafe facility, known as Airbus’ largest industrial site in Spain, is a major center for aircraft maintenance, repair, and production.
During discussions with key Airbus executives, including Juan Sell, Head of Public Affairs, Spain; Luis Hernanperez Fernandez, VP, Head of Sales, Africa; and Candelas Segovia Rodriguez, International Government Affairs Manager, the minister emphasized the need for deeper collaboration beyond trade.
Aviation and Defense Investment in Nigeria
The meeting focused on Airbus’ growing interest in Nigeria’s aviation and defense landscape, particularly in providing aircraft for transport, humanitarian, and military operations. Airbus executives highlighted the C295, a versatile aircraft suitable for both defense and civilian missions, as an ideal option for Nigeria’s security and logistics needs.
While welcoming Airbus’ interest in Nigeria, Tuggar urged the company to take a long-term view of its engagement with Africa’s largest economy by setting up maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hubs in the country.
“Nigeria is not just a market for aircraft; it is a regional hub for peacekeeping and security operations in Africa,” the minister stated. “It is imperative that we shift the relationship from simple aircraft procurement to strategic partnerships that include technology transfer, job creation, and localized capacity building.”
Beyond Sales: A Call for Local Manufacturing and Workforce Development
Tuggar emphasized that establishing MRO facilities in Nigeria would not only enhance aviation safety and operational efficiency but also significantly cut costs for local airlines and defense agencies that currently rely on maintenance facilities abroad.
“Rather than continuously sending aircraft out of Nigeria for maintenance, we need to develop the expertise locally,” he added. “Airbus has the opportunity to not only service Nigeria but also create a regional hub for West Africa, attracting clients from across the continent.”
Beyond maintenance, the minister advocated for increased training programs for Nigerian engineers and technicians, with a long-term vision of aircraft assembly and potential manufacturing partnerships in the future.
“We have a youthful and vibrant workforce that, if given the right training, can contribute immensely to the aerospace industry,” Tuggar said. “This is the kind of investment we want to attract—one that adds real value to our economy and positions Nigeria as an aviation powerhouse in Africa.”
Airbus’ Response and Future Prospects
Airbus executives acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic importance and expressed interest in exploring deeper partnerships. The discussions concluded with a guided tour of Airbus’ Getafe maintenance facility, providing the Nigerian delegation with firsthand insight into the company’s advanced aircraft servicing capabilities.
With Nigeria’s expanding aviation sector and growing regional security responsibilities, the potential collaboration between Airbus and Nigeria could set the stage for a transformative partnership that extends beyond aircraft procurement to technology transfer and industrial development.
The visit marks a significant step in Nigeria’s push to attract high-value foreign investments that align with its broader economic and security objectives.
