Abuja, Nigeria – September 17, 2025 – Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially received in audience the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, alongside top executives from Chinese aircraft manufacturer, COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China), in a high-level meeting held in Abuja.
The courtesy visit marks a significant step toward deepening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China in the aviation and aerospace sectors. It also signals growing interest from global aviation players in Nigeria’s expanding aviation market and infrastructure development goals.
According to official sources at the Ministry of Aviation, discussions during the meeting focused on potential collaborations in aircraft acquisition, technology transfer, training of aviation professionals, and long-term investment in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
COMAC, known globally for manufacturing commercial aircraft such as the C919 and ARJ21, is seeking to strengthen its footprint in Africa, and Nigeria’s strategic position as West Africa’s aviation hub presents a major opportunity.
Minister Keyamo expressed optimism about the meeting, emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to modernizing the aviation sector and supporting partnerships that will lead to improved air transport services, job creation, and technology advancement.
“This engagement with COMAC and the Chinese government aligns with our vision to transform Nigeria into a major player in the global aviation landscape,” Keyamo stated. “We are exploring avenues that will ensure the growth of our local aviation industry through strategic international alliances.”
Industry experts see this meeting as a potential gateway for Nigeria to diversify its aircraft fleet options beyond traditional Western manufacturers, as well as improve maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity domestically.
With ongoing efforts to revamp Nigeria’s aviation sector, including airport upgrades, national carrier development, and regional connectivity initiatives, the interest from China’s aviation industry is seen as a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s reform agenda.
The Ministry is expected to issue a detailed communiqué on the outcomes of the meeting in the coming days.
