Nigeria’s Federal Government is advocating for the establishment of a sovereign aircraft leasing company to support domestic carriers, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said, highlighting that a Nigerian-owned leasing firm would allow the government to negotiate directly with global lessors. According to channelstv.com, this approach is aimed at providing airlines with more accessible and cost-effective aircraft options while reducing reliance on expensive foreign leases.
Keyamo also noted that discussions with international investors are already underway and that local airlines would participate in the capital pool, as reported by Business Day. The government plans to back the leasing company with sovereign guarantees to help shield domestic carriers from funding challenges while exploring opportunities to develop aviation infrastructure, including a regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub, according to channelstv.com.
Industry experts cited by This Day Live say a Nigerian-owned leasing company could transform the sector by lowering costs, retaining capital within the country, and enabling airlines to expand operations. Both the Aviation Ministry and stakeholders emphasize that a structured guaranteed framework could strengthen trust with lessors and aircraft manufacturers, as highlighted by The Nation.
