Nigeria Has More Private Jets Than Any African Nation

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Government has revealed that Nigeria currently operates nearly 240 private jets, making it the largest business aviation market on the African continent. The disclosure was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a strategic meeting with executives of Bombardier Incorporated in Montreal, Canada, where discussions focused on establishing a major aircraft maintenance and service centre in Nigeria.

Keyamo, accompanied by senior aviation officials and leading Nigerian private jet operators, held talks with the Canadian aircraft manufacturer on plans to provide maintenance and technical support for Bombardier aircraft operating in Nigeria and across Africa. He explained that the proposed facility would significantly reduce the need for aircraft owners to fly their jets overseas for routine maintenance, a practice that has continued to drain the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The minister stated that Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading private jet market justifies the establishment of a world-class maintenance hub, noting that substantial amounts of foreign currency leave the country every week due to overseas aircraft servicing. He expressed optimism that the partnership would provide local support for aircraft owners while positioning Nigeria as a key aviation service hub for the continent.

Industry data indicates that Nigeria’s private jet fleet has grown rapidly in recent years, rising from about 100 aircraft in 2021 to nearly 240 today. Despite this growth, a significant number of the aircraft are reportedly registered outside Nigeria, with industry experts attributing the trend to efforts by some owners to avoid local taxes, duties and regulatory costs.

The increasing use of foreign registration and allegations of illegal commercial charter operations prompted the minister to establish a task force to investigate the sector. The committee reportedly identified several operators and owners of foreign-registered aircraft as key players in the alleged illegal charter business. The Nigeria Customs Service has also been involved in disputes with some operators over the payment of import duties and statutory charges.

Keyamo maintained that the planned Bombardier service centre would not only conserve foreign exchange but also create skilled employment opportunities, enhance aviation training and strengthen Nigeria’s technical capacity in aircraft maintenance, engineering and aftermarket services. The facility is expected to serve Bombardier aircraft owners across Africa, reducing dependence on maintenance centres in Europe and North America.

A statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, said the visit concluded Nigeria’s strategic engagements with some of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing, Airbus and Embraer. The engagements are aimed at improving aircraft acquisition, maintenance, financing and technical support while advancing the country’s aviation sector.

The delegation included the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, Nigeria’s Representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, Mahmoud Sani Ben-Tukur, alongside other senior government officials and aviation stakeholders.

During the visit, the Nigerian delegation toured Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre, where they were introduced to the company’s aircraft manufacturing processes, maintenance systems, pilot and technical training programmes, digital aviation technologies and aircraft acquisition solutions.

The Federal Government said the proposed collaboration could accelerate fleet modernisation, expand Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, boost engineering support, strengthen technical capacity development and encourage aerospace technology transfer. It also reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for indigenous aviation businesses through strategic partnerships that will improve safety, operational efficiency and the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The government added that stronger collaboration with global aircraft manufacturers would enhance Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, improve regulatory and technical capacity, lower operating costs for domestic airlines and reinforce the country’s ambition of becoming Africa’s preferred aviation hub.