By Obasola Olatunde
The Federal Government has opened discussions with the Chinese aircraft manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector and expand the fleet capacity of domestic airlines.
Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, confirmed the talks, assuring that local carriers will continue to receive government support to overcome operational challenges and enhance competitiveness.
Najomo said the discussions with COMAC are aimed at facilitating access to affordable aircraft through dry lease arrangements, and possibly certifying the C919 aircraft model for use by Nigerian operators.
“We are looking at the certification of the airplane, that’s where we have to start. We told them that if they can ensure a good dry lease arrangement, it would be better,” Najomo told Reuters following COMAC’s visit to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The COMAC delegation, led by Yang Yang, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, met with Aviation Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in Abuja. Both parties agreed to deepen collaboration, with Keyamo stating that Nigeria was ready to serve as a strategic base for COMAC’s operations in Africa.
Keyamo announced that a Nigerian delegation of domestic airline executives would soon visit COMAC’s headquarters in China to deepen discussions.
Najomo, speaking after the maiden flight from Gateway International Airport, Ogun State, emphasized his commitment to helping local players grow, stating that as a former operator, he understands the sector’s constraints. The discussions with COMAC are expected to widen aircraft acquisition options, reduce dependency on Western manufacturers, and lower operational costs for Nigerian airlines struggling with high lease rates, foreign exchange scarcity, and maintenance expenses.
Aviation analysts suggest that if successfully implemented, the partnership could mark a significant step in fleet renewal, local capacity development, and regional aviation competitiveness for Nigeria’s carriers.