The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) is pitching the narrow-body C919 as an alternative to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, which currently dominate global skies. With Nigeria’s airlines seeking newer aircraft and Beijing deepening its footprint across Africa, talks between COMAC and Nigerian authorities have gained momentum.
Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), told Reuters on the sidelines of the U.N. aviation agency’s assembly in Montreal that discussions had advanced to the regulatory stage. “We’re looking at the certification of the airplane. First of all, that is where we have to start,” he said, noting that the process could take several months.
The certification move is significant given that COMAC’s aircraft lack approval from major Western regulators, a key benchmark for credibility in global aviation. The C919 has so far entered commercial service only with Chinese airlines, while its smaller ARJ21 regional jet—sometimes referred to as the C909—is in operation with a handful of carriers in Southeast Asia.
COMAC, keen to penetrate the African market, has reportedly offered Nigerian carriers maintenance support, pilot training, and flexible lease terms. Najomo confirmed that the Chinese planemaker is exploring dry lease arrangements—aircraft provided without crew—as a way to make the planes more attractive. “We just told them that if they can make sure they facilitate a good dry lease arrangement, it’s better,” he explained.
Nigerian carriers have shown early interest. Abdullahi Ahmed, Chief Executive of NG Eagle, which currently operates three jets, said the airline would consider adding COMAC planes to its fleet once they secure NCAA certification and are backed by credible after-sales support.
Industry observers say Nigeria presents one of the most promising markets on the continent, with a population of over 230 million and a growing middle class. While air travel remains costly for many citizens, data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows average real airfares in Nigeria dropped by 43.6% between 2011 and 2023.
Confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector has also improved following the country’s stronger Aviation Working Group rating, which reflects better compliance with the Cape Town Convention—a global treaty that simplifies aircraft leasing and repossession. This progress has allowed Nigeria’s 13 airlines to access newer planes on lease, a key growth driver for the sector.
Still, challenges remain. COMAC has struggled to meet delivery timelines and earlier this year was hit by U.S. restrictions on exports of CFM engines used in the C919 amid trade tensions. Without Western validation, the aircraft faces hurdles in convincing global lessors and insurers.
For Nigeria, however, certification of the C919 could offer airlines a chance to diversify fleets, reduce dependence on Western suppliers, and possibly secure more competitive lease deals. The outcome of talks between NCAA and COMAC may therefore signal whether Africa’s largest aviation market is ready to open its skies to China’s ambitious planemaker.