The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has finalized plans to commence the bidding process for the establishment of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facilities in Nigeria.
This significant move is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure and reduce dependency on foreign MRO services, which have long been a financial drain on local airlines.
In a recent communication with The PUNCH via WhatsApp, Keyamo emphasized the necessity of involving the private sector in this venture, given the substantial financial commitments required.
“The Federal Government itself cannot undertake that now. It is a very capital-intensive venture,” he explained, underscoring the project’s scale and the need for external investment.
To advance this initiative, Keyamo announced that the government would pursue a Public-Private Partnership model, a strategy aimed at attracting both local and international investors.
“We have a lot of proposals on a PPP basis. So, we are about to start the process of calling for bidders,” he revealed, adding that the relevant department is currently navigating the bureaucratic procedures necessary to launch the bidding process smoothly.
The minister further indicated that the government intends to begin soliciting bids within the current year.
“We should advertise sometime this year, indicating that the project will be open to competitive bidding soon,” he stated, clarifying that the process would be managed at the national level rather than on a state-by-state basis.
Keyamo had earlier projected that the establishment of major MRO facilities in Nigeria could generate over $2 billion annually for the country.
He highlighted that such facilities would also save Nigerian airlines a similar amount, currently being spent on overseas aircraft checks.
In pursuit of this vision, Keyamo has already initiated discussions with potential investors who have expressed interest in partnering with the Federal Government.
He reiterated the importance of a PPP approach due to the financial and technical complexities involved in the project.
“The government has concluded that such a project could only be realised through PPP because of the financial outlay and technical depth needed in the project,” he stated.
The minister also hinted at ongoing conversations with international investors, some of whom have shown interest in developing MRO facilities within Nigeria.
“Some investors from overseas are showing interest. Some have spoken about the MROs. I think it is at the heart of the improvement of our local aviation industry. We need to bring in the MROs,” he noted, emphasizing the critical role these facilities would play in the sector’s advancement.
In a final call to action, Keyamo encouraged local businesses and financial institutions to get involved, assuring them that the entry of foreign investors would not edge them out.
“People are already talking with us. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag. Very soon, we are going to advertise and call for partnership. That is the only way to go. We need to call in people with money. So, for our local businessmen, our banks, financial institutions, and financiers, don’t say that foreigners are coming to take your business away,” he urged, inviting broad participation in this transformative project.
