Some Nigerian stakeholders on Tuesday in Dublin, Ireland, canvassed for the establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) in Nigeria.
They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the sideline of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global, holing in Dublin, Ireland.
NAN reports that the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global event commenced on Jan. 12 and is expected to end on the 15.
The event, which is part of Airline Economics Week, focuses on the latest developments and trends in the global aviation industry, with particular emphasis on the finance and leasing of aviation assets.
Some of the stakeholders opined that establishing MRO in Nigeria would help reduce Forex required for overseas maintenance by local airlines as well as create jobs for some unempoyed.
According to Mr Herbert Odika, a MRO in Nigeria will reduce foreign exchange (Forex) required for overseas maintenance by the local airlines.
”The convention currently going on is an opportunity for Nigerian carriers to have the opportunity to negotiate for dry lease agreements.
”Airlines, banks, insurance companies, regulators, and the legislative arm of government are present here to ensure the lessors are able to reach agreements with some carriers.
”However, the questions for Nigeria is, if given the opportunity, will the maintenance culture be invoked to ensure compliance? Will the banks be strict enough to withhold funds meant to service agreements?
He noted that having the MROs in Nigeria would be beneficial to the airlines irrespective of the risk assessments that would be carried out.
He added that some carriers in Nigeria had proven to be credible when it comes to keeping to agreed terms.
Similarly, Mrs Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination, told NAN, that prioritising MRO establishments would create jobs and save cost in Nigeria.
Usman, represented by Mr Hendrix Odigie, Delivery Manager, Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) at the event, described MRO as a critical component of the aviation industry which ensures that the aircraft remain safe, reliable, and operationally efficient.
”For Nigeria, developing a strong local MRO capability is essential as the country looks to expand its aviation sector, particularly with plans to adopt dry leasing arrangements with Boeing.
”Dry leasing allows airlines to lease aircraft without crew or operational support, making local MRO services indispensable for maintaining and managing these aircraft efficiently.
”A robust MRO industry in Nigeria would reduce the reliance on foreign facilities, cutting down the demand for foreign exchange (Forex) required for overseas maintenance,” she said.
She added that building a local MRO would save costs for airlines, as well as enhances operational efficiency, and supports the local economy by creating jobs and building technical expertise.
The special adviser also said that strengthening local MROs aligned with the broader goal of reducing capital flight and fostering self-reliance in the aviation sector.
She commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for streamlining regulatory frameworks to attract investment into MRO facilities, as well as foster partnerships with global aviation leaders like Boeing.
”As we discuss dry leasing, it is important to discuss MRO next. These policies of the minister are very good and put the Nigeria Aviation sector in the right place.
”These efforts aim to establish Nigeria as a hub for MRO services in Africa, providing the infrastructure needed to support dry leasing operations, while reducing costs and boosting local capacity.
”CDCU is putting modalities in place to sustain policies like this so that we do not go in circles after the President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” she added.
