The Federal Government of Nigeria and Aercap, an aircraft leasing company, have collaborated to strengthen aviation operational capacity in the country.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Mr Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo.
Moshood said the duo made the agreement at the ongoing Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
“Nigeria’s aviation transformation agenda gained further momentum on day two of the conference.
“Discussions focused on building a long-term strategic partnership aligned with Nigeria’s fleet modernisation objectives.
‘’They also focused on the urgent need to strengthen operational capacity among Nigerian airline operators,” Moshood said.
He said that the engagement explored innovative leasing solutions, flexible financing structures, and practical pathways for fleet renewal to support Nigerian airlines’ access to modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.
According to him, these measures are critical to improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety standards, reducing operating costs.
‘’They are also positioning Nigerian carriers to compete more effectively on regional and global routes, ‘’ he said.
The special adviser said that Keyamo held partnership meeting with Afreximbank, led by Ms Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development.
He said that the minister also met with Ms Helen Brume, Director and Global Head, Project and Asset Based Finance.
According to him, the meeting reinforced Nigeria’s strategic intent to deepen aviation finance partnerships and leverage Afreximbank’s catalytic role in supporting African carriers.
The support, he said, would be through structured financing, trade-enabling instruments, and risk-mitigation solutions.
“Discussions underscored a shared commitment to a collaborative government–industry approach that places aviation at the centre of economic growth, regional integration, and intra-African trade.
“Particular emphasis is placed on fleet development, airline sustainability, and the creation of financing frameworks capable of unlocking long-term value for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem,” Moshood said.
“Through these engagements, the minister continues to drive a proactive, market-facing aviation diplomacy.”
This, he said, would ensure Nigeria remained attractive to global lessors, financiers, and investors while delivering a stronger, safer, and more competitive aviation sector for the nation.
