Binani Air to Build $218M MRO Hub in Abuja

Binani Air is set to enhance Nigeria's aviation maintenance capacity by constructing a multi-million-dollar Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Aishatu Binani, chairperson of Binani Group and president and CEO of Binani Group of Companies, is leading this initiative.

The airline has signed a multi-million-dollar contract with an international firm for the development of a state-of-the-art hangar, expected to be completed within 12 months after construction begins. This facility will conduct heavy aircraft maintenance, including C-checks and D-checks, which Nigerian airlines currently outsource to facilities in Europe, the Middle East, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

Binani stated that the project could help Nigeria retain or attract approximately $218 million in foreign exchange annually by reducing overseas maintenance costs. The MRO facility is anticipated to create job opportunities for aircraft engineers, technicians, and other aviation support professionals, while also positioning Abuja as a potential maintenance hub for West and Central Africa.