Charleston, South Carolina – The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), has arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, United States, accompanied by CEOs of top Nigerian airline companies. This visit marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s aviation sector, as the Minister and his delegation engage in a week-long series of high-level discussions with Boeing, the renowned US multinational aircraft manufacturer.
The visit, undertaken at Boeing’s invitation, will also include a trip to Seattle, Washington, as part of an extensive program aimed at fostering a deeper partnership between Boeing and Nigeria. The primary objective of this strategic engagement is to explore avenues for enhancing the operational efficiency, safety, and overall business practices of Nigerian airline operators through collaboration with one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.
Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant for Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed that the highlight of this visit is expected to be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Working Together Agreement (WTA) between Boeing and the Federal Government of Nigeria. These agreements are set to lay the groundwork for a new era of cooperation, offering Nigerian airlines unprecedented access to Boeing’s vast technical resources. The anticipated benefits include specialized training in airline operations, enhanced safety protocols, and opportunities for the introduction of new or pre-owned Boeing aircraft into the Nigerian market.
The Honourable Minister expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of this visit, stating, “This engagement with Boeing represents a significant step forward in our efforts to revitalize the aviation sector in Nigeria. By working closely with Boeing, we aim to equip our airlines with the tools and knowledge they need to compete on a global scale, ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.”
As the week progresses, the delegation is expected to participate in a series of technical sessions and workshops designed to address specific needs of Nigerian airlines. These discussions are also expected to cover potential collaborations in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, as well as strategies for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental sustainability within the sector.
The visit underscores the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to advancing the aviation industry and aligns with ongoing efforts to make Nigerian airspace safer, more efficient, and more competitive globally.
