The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Company, Xejet Flight Support and Engineering Hub, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The event, which marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation sector, was also graced by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, and the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuk,u among others.
In his remark, the minister said 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 support the nation’s long-term economic growth.
“Our vision is to support the growth and development of local operators like this since we came to the office, we have been shouting about the issue of Maintainance Repair and Overhaul Centers across our airports in the country, and we have gotten far end of the earth, looking for investors, to come and invest in our MRO facilities.
“Now we have an Indigenous operator, collaborating with Indigenous banks, supporting this dream, and he is not just giving us an MRO like he said, there are other facilities, including a training centre.
“Very soon, we are going to return here, for the groundbreaking ceremony of an aircraft manufacturing company on this strip. So, the government may not have all the money to give to you, but we create an abling environment and policies to support this type of growth and development,” he said.
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Keyamo said the aviation technical team will also participate together with the FAAN Managing Director and will also put the engineering team together to ensure that they support the project and compliance
In his speech, Xejet Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Iza highlighted the transformative potential of the facility.
“This facility, whose foundation we lay, is not just going to be a center; it is 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 seeks to not only improve operational efficiencies but also deliver an exclusive experience that sets us apart in the industry. The establishment of this facility is a testament to our belief in Nigeria’s role as a leader in the continent’s aviation future; by investing in infrastructure and capabilities, we also aim to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub of connectivity, commerce, and tourism,” Iza said.
The project, which will be constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is being partnered by Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank, reflecting strong confidence from the financial sector in Xejet’s vision and Nigeria’s aviation potential.
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