The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to helping domestic airlines expand their fleets through discussions with Chinese aircraft manufacturer, COMAC.
The move, according to the agency, aims to strengthen local operators and make air travel more efficient and affordable across Nigeria.
The Director General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the talks with COMAC form part of wider efforts to enhance local aviation capacity. He noted that the government has also been engaging other global aircraft makers such as Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer to explore partnerships that will make aircraft leasing easier for domestic carriers.
Najomo explained that plans are underway to begin certification of COMAC’s C919 aircraft for use in Nigeria, saying the NCAA is ensuring all procedures are properly followed. He said, “We are looking at the certification of the airplane. First of all, that is where we have to start. We just told them that if they can make sure they facilitate a good dry lease arrangement, it is better.”
His comment came after COMAC’s Vice President, Marketing and Sales Committee, Yang Yang, led a team to meet with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in Abuja. During the visit, Keyamo expressed readiness for deeper collaboration with the Chinese company and promised to lead a delegation of domestic airline executives to COMAC’s headquarters soon.
The minister said, “We are ready for this collaboration and will soon lead a delegation of domestic airline executives to COMAC’s headquarters to deepen these discussions. Nigeria is open to allowing COMAC to use our country as a base to access the wider African market.”
Speaking further in Abuja, Najomo said he understands the difficulties faced by airlines, having previously worked as an operator and pilot. “I was an operator before; I am now a regulator. From my experience, including as a captain, Managing Director of an airline and now a regulator, I know where it pinches. We are giving them all the support. We have gone to Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer in Brazil. Now the Chinese company COMAC has come to see the minister. We are doing everything to support our local content,” he added.
