FEC Approves N2.29bn For Commencement Of Local Aircraft Assembly

• The FEC approved the fund at its meeting on Wednesday.

• The fund is expected to kick-start the local assembly of training aircraft in Nigeria.

• Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation broke the news of the new funding.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N2.29bn for the assembling of Hungarian Magnus light aircraft at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State.

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, made the disclosure to journalists shortly after this week’s Council meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House, Abuja.

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Sirika noted that the renewed demand for the “spin recovery aircraft” is necessitating the production of the light aircraft which he said is durable for the training of military and civilian pilots.

According to the aviation minister, the first set of the assembled aircraft is expected to fly within the last four months of the Buhari administration.

The funding for the commencement of the local aircraft assembly comes 17 months after the federal government said it was interested in partnering with the Hungarian aircraft manufacturing firm to establish an assembling plant for light airplanes locally.

During an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Headquarters in Pogany, Hungary, in August 2021, Sirika said the FG’s goal was to locally assemble aircraft “from start to finish” before the current administration ends.

“If we venture with them, we may start with assembling plants and later manufacturing,” Sirika said.

During Wednesday’s briefing, the minister also revealed that the FEC approved N546.11m for the procurement and installation of Category IIIC landing system in 15 airports nationwide.

He disclosed that the installation will begin from the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, and the Katsina Airport.

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Sirika explained that the Cat IIIC landing system enables pilots to land in zero-visibility conditions.

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