Nigerian airlines have spent an estimated $5 billion on aircraft maintenance overseas over the past five years, highlighting the country’s dependence on foreign facilities and the need for a domestic Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre.

Most of the cost comes from C-checks, major inspections conducted every 12–18 months, costing $4–6 million per aircraft. With Nigeria lacking fully equipped MRO facilities, airlines send planes to Ethiopia, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, the UAE, and South Africa, causing significant capital flight and straining foreign-exchange reserves.

Former ADC Airlines Chief Pilot, Capt. Mohammed Gbadamasi, urged leveraging existing hangars in partnership with local operators like Aero Contractors to develop domestic capacity. Capt. Samuel Caulcrick, former NCAT Rector, called on the NCAA to introduce policies requiring airlines to use local MROs.

Some progress is underway: Air Peace is developing an MRO facility projected to create 50,000 jobs and reduce overseas maintenance dependency. Experts say sustained investment, skilled manpower, and international certification are crucial for building a competitive domestic MRO industry.

Until then, Nigerian airlines will continue to spend billions abroad, highlighting the urgent need for local maintenance capacity. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.