Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has called on global aerospace giant Airbus to establish aircraft maintenance hubs in Nigeria to boost the country’s aviation and defense sectors.
During his visit to the Airbus Operations Facility in Getafe, Madrid, the minister engaged in high-level discussions with Airbus executives on potential investments in Nigeria. The Getafe site, the largest Airbus industrial facility in Spain, plays a crucial role in the company’s global operations.
Key Airbus officials at the meeting included Juan Sell, Head of Public Affairs (Spain); Luis Hernanperez Fernandez, VP, Head of Sales (Africa); Candelas Segovia Rodriguez, International Government Affairs Manager; and Cristina Garvia Aliste, Representative for Corporate Analysis, Defense EU Matters, and Sales Support.
The discussions centered on Airbus’ interest in Nigeria’s aviation and defense markets, with company representatives presenting their aircraft models suited for transport, humanitarian aid, and military operations. In particular, Airbus highlighted the C295, a versatile aircraft adaptable for multiple missions.
The minister emphasized the need for deeper collaboration beyond aircraft sales, urging Airbus to consider local investments, including maintenance hubs, to support Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure. He noted Nigeria’s strategic role as a security hub for peacekeeping missions in Africa, underscoring the benefits of establishing training programs to empower local youth and develop technical expertise.
He further proposed long-term possibilities, such as aircraft assembly and manufacturing in Nigeria, which could significantly enhance the country’s aerospace industry and create employment opportunities.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of Airbus’ maintenance facilities, offering insight into the company’s technological capabilities and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to fostering strategic international partnerships.
