New MRO centre aims to boost aviation safety, cut capital flight, create jobs, and position Nigeria as West Africa’s top aircraft maintenance hub.
President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a landmark partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria, global aviation giant Boeing, and the United Kingdom–based Cranfield University to establish a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in the country. The announcement marks one of the most ambitious steps toward transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector and reducing its heavy dependence on foreign maintenance services.
According to the Presidency, the new MRO centre will address long-standing challenges faced by airlines, including high costs of sending aircraft abroad for routine and major maintenance checks. The facility is also expected to improve safety standards, expand local technical capacity, and significantly reduce capital flight running into millions of dollars annually.
The partnership brings together Boeing’s global expertise in aircraft manufacturing and support services with Cranfield University’s renowned engineering and aviation research capabilities. The Federal Government says the collaboration forms part of President Tinubu’s broader economic agenda aimed at strengthening critical industries, creating skilled jobs for young Nigerians, and positioning the country as the aviation hub of West Africa.
The proposed MRO facility will be equipped to handle major aircraft types operating within the region, enabling Nigerian airlines to service their fleets locally and attract business from neighbouring countries. Government officials also noted that the project will include training programmes, technology transfer, and long-term investment opportunities for the local industry.
President Tinubu described the partnership as a “historic milestone” that will enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness and support the growth of the country’s aviation ecosystem. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering strategic alliances that drive innovation, safety, and economic development across critical sectors.
Construction timelines and operational details are expected to be announced in the coming months as stakeholders move into the implementation phase of the project.
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