The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the Federal Government's initiative to set up an aircraft manufacturing company in Nigeria.

This venture is a partnership between XeJet and local financial institutions, with the goal of positioning Nigeria as a regional center for aviation services.

Keyamo made this announcement at the inauguration of XeJet’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and flight support center in Abuja.

He emphasized that this initiative is in line with the government's strategy to empower local operators and enhance the country's aviation sector.

Keyamo said: “Since we came to office, we’ve been focused on attracting MRO facilities to our aviation ecosystem, just as they exist in other parts of the world.

“We’ve searched far and wide for investors, but now we see that what we were looking for elsewhere is right here at home. This collaboration between an indigenous operator and local banks is a dream come true.”

Emphasising the project’s significance, the minister noted the inclusion of additional facilities, such as a training centre, which he described as “a huge achievement.”

Keyamo added: “This development will not only serve Nigeria but will attract users from across the West African sub-region. That’s the dream—to make this facility a regional centre for excellence.”