Nigeria’s aviation sector receives boost with advanced engineer training program

AS part of efforts to improve operational excellence, transfer skills and support long-term growth of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, Boeing has partnered with Aviation Techniks Academy (ATT Academy) to deliver a six weeks specialised training engagement delivered by Boeing for personnel from United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet Aviation.

The Boeing Technical Maintenance Training Programme will hold at the ATT Academy, which will serve as the host training facility, providing a professional learning environment for the programme.

CEO, Aviation Techniks and Training International Limited, Odutola Joshua Olawale, hailed the partnership, noting that bringing together aviation giants means a lot to the industry and will open it up to world class opportunities.

Expressing optimism that the training will provide opportunities in terms of expansion and transfer of skills and knowledge, he said traveling abroad to access this level of specialised training has become harder but with Boeing coming to Nigeria, he described it as a big win for the industry.

He added that ongoing reforms have renewed investors’ confidence in the sector and predicted a boom in Nigeria’s air travel business in the nearest future.

Speaking, Executive Sales Director, African region, Boeing commercial airplanes, Moore Ibekwe Jnr, said four factors have boosted the aviation sector n Nigeria. He went on to list access to credit and dry lease, improved technical capabilities, improved airport infrastructure and a stronger regulatory environment as the factors that have repositioned the industry in recent times.

He revealed that an MoU between Boeing and Nigeria, with nine pillars, was signed in August 2024. “We intend to enhance technical support and have specialists some in from time to time to maintain the Boeing aircrafts operating in the Nigerian airspace among other things. We also talked about airline operational safety support. We have several initiatives to work with the NCAA on improving air safety in Nigeria.”

He added that the understanding also covers airport infrastructure development, improving the runways and airport infrastructure.
He stressed that aircraft maintenance has always been a major issue and with their forecast of 1200 airplanes to be delivered on the continent in the next 20 years; about 77,000 aviation professionals will be needed to maintain these aircrafts.

“The service industry is a huge one and worth about $130 billion. Bringing in these airplanes would create jobs not just directly but also indirectly and develop the capabilities of our people as well.”

Consul General of the United States consulate in Lagos, Rick Swart, hailed the partnership, saying it will help young Nigerians develop capability in the sector without having to leave the country. Hailing the thriving aviation sector in the country, he highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to the sector.

“Boeing continues to invest in the people who keep Nigeria’s aviation industry moving safely and efficiently and today’s training programme is just another example of that commitment. Our efforts at the U.S. mission in Nigeria is to advance economic growth and strengthen commercial ties between the U.S and Nigeria.

He said their goal is to ensure Nigeria is one of the countries in Africa with a fully well developed aviation sector, promising that a lot will change over the next few years.

“Companies like Boeing help strengthen critical sectors of the economy by bringing world-class technology, expertise, innovation and training to the market. In 2025, bilateral trade between both countries grew by 15 per cent or $15 billion, making Nigeria the US’ number two trading partner in Africa.”

He vowed to continue to work with the Nigerian government and private sector to support stakeholders to expand trade, encourage investment and support economic growth, with the aviation sector being a key part of this.
He noted that by investing in workforce development, Boeing is helping to strengthen aviation safety, improve operational excellence and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

“Across Africa, nearly 70 per cent of commercial aircraft in service are Boeing airplanes, underscoring the company’s long-standing partnership with the continent’s aviation trajectory. We appreciate Boeing’s commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals and look forward to continued collaboration that strengthens the commercial trade ties between the US and Nigeria,” he said.