Nigeria’s Foreign Minister has invited Airbus to set up maintenance hubs in Nigeria, aiming to boost the country’s aviation sector and establish it as a regional hub.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (HMFA) made the appeal during his visit to the Airbus Operations Facility in Getafe, Madrid, Spain, as part of his official tour.
The Getafe facility, the largest industrial site in Spain, plays a key role in Airbus’ global operations.
During the visit, the Minister held discussions with key Airbus executives, including Juan Sell, Head of Public Affairs, Spain; Luis Hernánperez Fernández, VP, Head of Sales, Africa; Candelas Segovia Rodríguez, International Government Affairs Manager; Cristina García Aliste, Representative for Corporate Analysis, Defence EU Matters, and Sales Support, Public Affairs, Spain.
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The talks centred on Airbus’ interest in investing in Nigeria’s aviation and defence sectors. The Minister welcomed these discussions and emphasised the importance of collaboration beyond trade, advocating for localised investments and workforce development to boost employment in Nigeria.
Airbus representatives highlighted their aircraft offerings for Nigeria’s transport, humanitarian, and defence needs. Specifically, they promoted the C295, a multi-purpose aircraft adaptable for various missions.
The Minister urged Airbus to move beyond aircraft sales and consider establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria, citing the country’s status as a regional security hub for peacekeeping operations in Africa. He emphasised the potential for Airbus to train and empower local youth, with long-term possibilities for aircraft assembly and even manufacturing in Nigeria.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of Airbus’ maintenance facilities, providing insight into the company’s operational capabilities.
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