…Engages global firm for mega maintenance and repairs in Abuja

THE binani global air services has engaged a global aviation firm for the development of a mega maintenance repair and overhaul facility in Abuja, with the project expected to help retain about $218 million dollars in foreign exchange annually within Nigeria.

The Chairperson of binani air, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, who disclosed this while speaking on the significance of the proposed facility to the Nigerian aviation industry stated that the project was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector by boosting local maintenance capacity and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign maintenance centers where Nigerian airlines currently send aircrafts for major maintenance checks.

She said: “Currently, domestic airlines outsource the vast majority of their heavy maintenance checks, such as C checks and D checks, to foreign facilities in Europe, the Middle East, and other African nations like Egypt and Ethiopia. This project will reduce this dependency while retaining and attracting FX of about 218 million US dollars annually.”

The development comes against the backdrop of persistent concerns over the cost of aircraft maintenance and the dependence of Nigerian airlines on foreign maintenance facilities. Major maintenance checks, particularly C checks and D checks, require specialized infrastructure, equipment, and highly skilled personnel. In the absence of adequate local capacities, airlines are forced to seek such services outside the country, with the associated costs paid in foreign currency.

Industry observers have argued that a functional heavy maintenance facility in Nigeria could therefore provide more than just a solution to an airline’s operational needs. They say it could help deepen technical capacity, create specialized jobs, and support the development of an aviation maintenance ecosystem.

The facility could also position Abuja as a potential maintenance hub for airlines within Nigeria and other parts of Africa, depending on its eventual capacity and certification.

According to the company, the proposed investment represents an expansion beyond its role as a domestic passenger carrier for the wider industry,but that its success will ultimately be measured by execution.

Recall that Nigeria has had several conversations around expanding local aviation maintenance capacity over the years but the real game changer will be seeing a facility of this scale move from the drawing board to hangar floor, and importantly, keeping Nigerian aircrafts at home for major maintenance.