Nigerian Airlines to Spend $2bn on Overseas Aircraft Maintenance in 2026

Nigerian airlines are expected to spend $2 billion on aircraft maintenance overseas in 2026, as local maintenance and repair facilities in Nigeria, including Aero Contractors, lack the necessary capabilities to conduct major checks on various aircraft types. Captain Ado Sanusi of Aero Contractors highlighted the need for skilled manpower, proper tools, and training to enable local facilities to perform high-level maintenance services.

The lack of these resources forces airlines to ferry their aircraft overseas for maintenance, leading to significant expenses. This situation underscores the importance of investing in building local maintenance capabilities to reduce costs and create job opportunities in the aviation sector.