- Nigeria Now Has Nearly 240 Private Jets, Highest in Africa
- Keyamo says aircraft maintenance abroad drains significant foreign exchange.
- FG is seeking a Bombardier maintenance centre to support Nigeria and Africa.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that Nigeria now has nearly 240 private jets in operation, making it the largest business aviation market in Africa.
Keyamo made the disclosure during a strategic meeting with officials of Bombardier Incorporated in Montreal, Canada, where the Federal Government opened discussions on establishing a major aircraft maintenance and service centre in Nigeria.\
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the minister led a delegation comprising senior aviation officials and some of Nigeria’s leading private jet operators to the Canadian aerospace company, known for manufacturing and servicing Global and Challenger business aircraft.
According to Keyamo, the proposed maintenance facility would provide technical and engineering support for Bombardier aircraft operating in Nigeria and across the African continent, reducing the need for operators to fly aircraft overseas for servicing.
He said Nigeria loses substantial foreign exchange every week because private jet owners are compelled to maintain their aircraft abroad.
“Our discussions covered a broad range of issues, especially the prospect of the company establishing a major service centre in Nigeria,” Keyamo said.
“This will provide the much-needed support for their aircraft within the country and the African continent as a whole.
“Nigeria officially has the highest number of private jets in Africa, with nearly 240 presently operating within the country, and so much foreign currency is repatriated weekly from the country for the maintenance of these aircraft.”
The minister’s disclosure comes amid a sharp rise in the country’s private aircraft fleet over the past few years. Industry reports indicate that Nigeria had about 100 private jets in 2021, meaning the fleet has more than doubled within five years.
Despite the growth, industry estimates suggest that nearly 70 per cent of the aircraft are registered in foreign countries. Many operators reportedly opt for foreign registration to avoid certain local taxes, levies and regulatory charges.
Authorities have also expressed concern over the alleged use of privately registered aircraft for unauthorised commercial charter operations.
The development previously prompted the Federal Government to establish a ministerial task force to investigate illegal air charter services. The task force reportedly identified several high-net-worth individuals and operators of foreign-registered aircraft as key participants in the alleged illegal operations.
The Nigeria Customs Service has also been involved in disputes with some private jet owners over the payment of import duties and other statutory charges on aircraft brought into the country.
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