By : Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, a former Local Government Sole Administrator in the Federal Capital Territory during the military era, is a seasoned administrator, technocrat, and bureaucrat per excellence.
After obtaining his PhD in about 1976, he ploughed his great intellect into deepening his Federal Civil Service experience and competencies in terms of development administration.
His democratic credentials excelled when he was elected Deputy Governor of the most populous state in Nigeria, Kano State, which he later governed for eight (8) years.
No doubt he performed creditably well when he was appointed the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
As the saying goes, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
His appointment as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, comes with lots of expectations, having x-rayed Dr. Ganduje’s skill set, competencies, knowledge base, and experiences, given all positions he held before now.
Additionally, the above parameters, which have predisposed his presidential appointment as Chairman, Board of FAAN, can be said to summarise the huge expectations Nigerians have towards a positive scorecard at the end of his tenure as Board Chairman.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the totality of Nigerians expect nothing less than total transformation of our federal airports and, by extension, the aviation industry in line with the Renewed Hope policy directives of the present administration.
Surprisingly, the Nigerian leader, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is leaving no stone unturned by ensuring that the aviation sub-sector of the nation’s economy, like other segments, is getting priority attention.
It is also the projection of the Renewed Hope policy document that before the end of this administration, the government would have built and commissioned modern Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Hangar Facilities across the major international hubs in Nigeria. This will make Nigeria a leading aviation hub in West and Central Africa, next to Ethiopia, which is leading in East Africa’s aviation industry.
The essence of this multi-billion-naira capital project, whose initial fiscal instrument deployment would outweigh and even surpass the returns on investment above any other considerations, apart from ranking amongst the highest foreign exchange earning streams, would create massive employment windows for scores of skilled professionals, artisans, and allied middle-level Nigerians, including non-Nigerians.
The establishment of these MRO Hangar Facilities would position Nigeria as the leading aviation industrial hub for the West and Central African sub-region.
These facilities, when established, would save the country millions of foreign-denominated funds, either in US dollars, pounds sterling, or euros, as routine annual expenditure profiles for C-Check as well as D-Check maintenance, repair, and overhaul processes abroad.
Expectedly, it is heartwarming to note that the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the plank of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, has made giant strides in its first 26 months of being in power.
This was achieved by establishing a solid aviation foundation to make Nigeria a leading aviation hub in West and Central Africa.
The introduction of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar facilities by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) across the country’s six geopolitical zones, plus the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, would therefore be a pivotal step in the political leadership journey of the government.
It will also help to enhance the aviation sector’s self-reliance and institutional autonomy, besides spurring economic growth and development.
The strategic placement of MRO facilities throughout Nigeria is not merely a logistical enhancement; it represents a transformative opportunity for the nation’s aviation industry.
By providing essential maintenance services locally, these hangars can reduce dependency on foreign facilities, significantly lowering operational costs for airlines.
This self-sufficiency can be a game-changer, positioning Nigeria as a central hub for aviation activities in the region, particularly when we consider global case studies whose experiments have turned into huge successes.
Several countries have successfully leveraged MRO facilities to bolster their aviation sectors and, by extension, their economies. For instance, Singapore has established itself as a global leader in aviation services, with its Changi Airport serving as a central hub for MRO operations.
The combination of world-class infrastructure and skilled labour has attracted numerous airlines, resulting in significant economic benefits, including job creation and increased tourism.
For instance, in the United Arab Emirates region, Dubai International Airport has become a premier MRO hub in the entire Middle East.
Additionally, the Dubai International Airport has been facilitating a substantial influx of aviation-related investments.
It is on record that the huge success stories of the Emirates Group and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, in a going type of way, can best illustrate how effective MRO facilities can be in redefining and changing an economy, diversifying as well as integrating it into the global aviation supply chain.
The establishment of FAAN’s MRO hangar facilities in Nigeria would no doubt be one of the lasting legacies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC-powered administration, recorded under the tenure of His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), writing his name in history as an appointee of government who supervised the project.
It would also help re-enact the positive economic investment experiences and lasting impressions showcased by the very result-yielding case studies, as well as replicate these successful models.
Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, possesses a strategic geographical advantage, with its location serving as a gateway to both West and Central Africa. By developing MRO capabilities, Nigeria can attract airlines from neighbouring countries, creating a competitive edge in the aviation sector.
Moreover, these facilities will contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, both directly and indirectly. Skilled labour will be required for maintenance operations, while ancillary services—such as logistics, catering, and ground handling—will also see growth. This job creation will enhance the overall economic landscape, fostering a culture of innovation and technical expertise within the aviation industry.
Emboldened by its long years of managerial and institutional competences, knowledge base, and experiences, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), ably supervised by the Honorable Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo (SAN), alongside the Board, would offer Nigerians A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC MODEL that would stand the test of generations yet unborn.
A FAAN-enabled MRO Hangar Facility has the wherewithal and professional capacity to change the face of the aviation industry if completed within an 18-month duration from groundbreaking to completion and commissioning.
In addition to immediate economic benefits, the MRO hangar facilities could foster sustainable practices within the aviation sector. By investing in eco-friendly technologies and practices, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in sustainable aviation.
This commitment not only enhances the nation’s international reputation but also attracts environmentally conscious airlines and investors.
The potential for partnerships with educational institutions to develop specialised training programs for aviation professionals further strengthens this model.
By cultivating a skilled workforce, Nigeria can ensure that its MRO facilities remain competitive and efficient, ultimately leading to enhanced safety and reliability in air travel.
While the vision for MRO hangar facilities is promising, certain possible challenges still remain in the face of such high-risk venture projects.
Such challenges as land acquisition and compensation to indigenous landowners, infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and investment in technology are critical components that must be addressed. Even as these lines of challenges are not beyond the ability of the Federal Government to resolve, they require inter-ministerial synergy between the Federal Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development, the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Collaboration between government ministries, departments, agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners will be essential to overcome these hurdles.
Moreover, a robust marketing strategy will be necessary to attract international airlines and aviation companies to Nigeria. Highlighting the benefits of local MRO services, including cost savings and quick turnaround times, will be vital to changing perceptions and building confidence in the country’s aviation capabilities.
In a nutshell, the establishment of FAAN’s MRO hangar facilities across Nigeria’s major international airports would represent a strong ocean of opportunities to redefine Nigeria’s role in the aviation sector, particularly in the West and Central Africa geographical belt.
By learning from successful models implemented in other countries and addressing existing challenges, Nigeria can harness its potential to become a leading aviation hub.
The investment in MRO capabilities is not only about enhancing operational efficiency; it is about creating a sustainable economic ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians. As the APC government continues to implement its vision for the nation, the aviation sector stands as a testament to the transformative power of strategic investments in infrastructure and human capital.
The time is ripe for Nigeria to soar to new heights in aviation and economic development.
Dr. Ibrahim, MFR, a political scientist and public affairs commentator, is the National Convener, National Agenda for Tinubu 2027 (NAFT.27).
.
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Ganduje’s vision for FAAN MRO hangars to reposition Nigeria as regional aviation hub for West, Central Africa
By : Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, a former Local Government Sole Administrator in the Federal Capital Territory during the military era, is a seasoned administrator, technocrat, and bureaucrat per excellence.
After obtaining his PhD in about 1976, he ploughed his great intellect into deepening his Federal Civil Service experience and competencies in terms of development administration.
His democratic credentials excelled when he was elected Deputy Governor of the most populous state in Nigeria, Kano State, which he later governed for eight (8) years.
No doubt he performed creditably well when he was appointed the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
As the saying goes, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
His appointment as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, comes with lots of expectations, having x-rayed Dr. Ganduje’s skill set, competencies, knowledge base, and experiences, given all positions he held before now.
Additionally, the above parameters, which have predisposed his presidential appointment as Chairman, Board of FAAN, can be said to summarise the huge expectations Nigerians have towards a positive scorecard at the end of his tenure as Board Chairman.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the totality of Nigerians expect nothing less than total transformation of our federal airports and, by extension, the aviation industry in line with the Renewed Hope policy directives of the present administration.
Surprisingly, the Nigerian leader, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is leaving no stone unturned by ensuring that the aviation sub-sector of the nation’s economy, like other segments, is getting priority attention.
It is also the projection of the Renewed Hope policy document that before the end of this administration, the government would have built and commissioned modern Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Hangar Facilities across the major international hubs in Nigeria. This will make Nigeria a leading aviation hub in West and Central Africa, next to Ethiopia, which is leading in East Africa’s aviation industry.
The essence of this multi-billion-naira capital project, whose initial fiscal instrument deployment would outweigh and even surpass the returns on investment above any other considerations, apart from ranking amongst the highest foreign exchange earning streams, would create massive employment windows for scores of skilled professionals, artisans, and allied middle-level Nigerians, including non-Nigerians.
The establishment of these MRO Hangar Facilities would position Nigeria as the leading aviation industrial hub for the West and Central African sub-region.
These facilities, when established, would save the country millions of foreign-denominated funds, either in US dollars, pounds sterling, or euros, as routine annual expenditure profiles for C-Check as well as D-Check maintenance, repair, and overhaul processes abroad.
Expectedly, it is heartwarming to note that the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the plank of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, has made giant strides in its first 26 months of being in power.
This was achieved by establishing a solid aviation foundation to make Nigeria a leading aviation hub in West and Central Africa.
The introduction of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar facilities by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) across the country’s six geopolitical zones, plus the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, would therefore be a pivotal step in the political leadership journey of the government.
It will also help to enhance the aviation sector’s self-reliance and institutional autonomy, besides spurring economic growth and development.
The strategic placement of MRO facilities throughout Nigeria is not merely a logistical enhancement; it represents a transformative opportunity for the nation’s aviation industry.
By providing essential maintenance services locally, these hangars can reduce dependency on foreign facilities, significantly lowering operational costs for airlines.
This self-sufficiency can be a game-changer, positioning Nigeria as a central hub for aviation activities in the region, particularly when we consider global case studies whose experiments have turned into huge successes.
Several countries have successfully leveraged MRO facilities to bolster their aviation sectors and, by extension, their economies. For instance, Singapore has established itself as a global leader in aviation services, with its Changi Airport serving as a central hub for MRO operations.
The combination of world-class infrastructure and skilled labour has attracted numerous airlines, resulting in significant economic benefits, including job creation and increased tourism.
For instance, in the United Arab Emirates region, Dubai International Airport has become a premier MRO hub in the entire Middle East.
Additionally, the Dubai International Airport has been facilitating a substantial influx of aviation-related investments.
It is on record that the huge success stories of the Emirates Group and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, in a going type of way, can best illustrate how effective MRO facilities can be in redefining and changing an economy, diversifying as well as integrating it into the global aviation supply chain.
The establishment of FAAN’s MRO hangar facilities in Nigeria would no doubt be one of the lasting legacies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC-powered administration, recorded under the tenure of His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), writing his name in history as an appointee of government who supervised the project.
It would also help re-enact the positive economic investment experiences and lasting impressions showcased by the very result-yielding case studies, as well as replicate these successful models.
Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, possesses a strategic geographical advantage, with its location serving as a gateway to both West and Central Africa. By developing MRO capabilities, Nigeria can attract airlines from neighbouring countries, creating a competitive edge in the aviation sector.
Moreover, these facilities will contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, both directly and indirectly. Skilled labour will be required for maintenance operations, while ancillary services—such as logistics, catering, and ground handling—will also see growth. This job creation will enhance the overall economic landscape, fostering a culture of innovation and technical expertise within the aviation industry.
Emboldened by its long years of managerial and institutional competences, knowledge base, and experiences, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), ably supervised by the Honorable Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo (SAN), alongside the Board, would offer Nigerians A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC MODEL that would stand the test of generations yet unborn.
A FAAN-enabled MRO Hangar Facility has the wherewithal and professional capacity to change the face of the aviation industry if completed within an 18-month duration from groundbreaking to completion and commissioning.
In addition to immediate economic benefits, the MRO hangar facilities could foster sustainable practices within the aviation sector. By investing in eco-friendly technologies and practices, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in sustainable aviation.
This commitment not only enhances the nation’s international reputation but also attracts environmentally conscious airlines and investors.
The potential for partnerships with educational institutions to develop specialised training programs for aviation professionals further strengthens this model.
By cultivating a skilled workforce, Nigeria can ensure that its MRO facilities remain competitive and efficient, ultimately leading to enhanced safety and reliability in air travel.
While the vision for MRO hangar facilities is promising, certain possible challenges still remain in the face of such high-risk venture projects.
Such challenges as land acquisition and compensation to indigenous landowners, infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and investment in technology are critical components that must be addressed. Even as these lines of challenges are not beyond the ability of the Federal Government to resolve, they require inter-ministerial synergy between the Federal Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development, the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Collaboration between government ministries, departments, agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners will be essential to overcome these hurdles.
Moreover, a robust marketing strategy will be necessary to attract international airlines and aviation companies to Nigeria. Highlighting the benefits of local MRO services, including cost savings and quick turnaround times, will be vital to changing perceptions and building confidence in the country’s aviation capabilities.
In a nutshell, the establishment of FAAN’s MRO hangar facilities across Nigeria’s major international airports would represent a strong ocean of opportunities to redefine Nigeria’s role in the aviation sector, particularly in the West and Central Africa geographical belt.
By learning from successful models implemented in other countries and addressing existing challenges, Nigeria can harness its potential to become a leading aviation hub.
The investment in MRO capabilities is not only about enhancing operational efficiency; it is about creating a sustainable economic ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians. As the APC government continues to implement its vision for the nation, the aviation sector stands as a testament to the transformative power of strategic investments in infrastructure and human capital.
The time is ripe for Nigeria to soar to new heights in aviation and economic development.
–
Dr. Ibrahim, MFR, a political scientist and public affairs commentator, is the National Convener, National Agenda for Tinubu 2027 (NAFT.27).
.
