Nigerian Airlines Spend $5bn on Maintenance Abroad, Straining Local Aviation Industry

Nigerian airlines operating in the aviation sector have reportedly spent an estimated $5 billion on aircraft maintenance abroad over the past five years, as revealed by an investigation by Leadership. This significant expenditure is primarily attributed to the lack of fully equipped maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Nigeria.

The absence of comprehensive C-check capabilities domestically has forced domestic carriers to ferry their aircraft to countries like Ethiopia, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa for heavy maintenance. This practice not only incurs high costs but also strains the country's foreign exchange reserves.

Aviation experts emphasize the need for collaborative efforts, such as utilizing existing hangars like the ones owned by the old Nigeria Airways and the Air Force, to establish a formidable MRO solution within the country, thereby reducing costs and dependency on foreign currencies. Capt.

Moham Gbadamasi, a former chief pilot of defunct ADC Airlines, advocates for such partnerships to enhance the local aviation industry's growth and sustainability.