Tuggar Urges Airbus to Establish Maintenance Hubs in Nigeria

Tuggar Urges Airbus to Establish Maintenance Hubs in Nigeria

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

In a push for localized investment in Nigeria’s aviation industry, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called on Airbus to set up maintenance hubs in the country.

This was disclosed in a statement signed on Wednesday by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media and Communications strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

According to Abdulkadir, the appeal came during the Minister’s recent visit to the Airbus Operations Facility in Getafe, Madrid, Spain, where he engaged with key executives from the aerospace giant.

The Getafe facility, recognized as the largest industrial site in Spain, plays a crucial role in Airbus’ global operations. During the visit, Tuggar held discussions with prominent Airbus officials, including Juan Sell, Head of Public Affairs, Spain, and Luis Hernanperez Fernandez, VP, Head of Sales, Africa. The talks focused on Airbus’ interest in investing in Nigeria’s aviation and defense sectors.

“I welcome the discussions we had regarding Airbus’ potential investments in Nigeria.

“However, I urge Airbus to consider establishing maintenance hubs in Nigeria, which would not only enhance our aviation capabilities but also create jobs and empower our local workforce,” Tuggar demanded.

The minister emphasized the importance of collaboration that extends beyond mere trade, advocating for localized investments that would significantly boost employment opportunities in Nigeria. He highlighted the country’s strategic position as a regional security hub for peacekeeping operations in Africa, making it an ideal location for such initiatives.

Airbus representatives showcased their aircraft offerings tailored to Nigeria’s transport, humanitarian, and defense needs, particularly promoting the C295, a versatile multi-purpose aircraft suitable for various missions.

Tuggar further stressed the long-term benefits of Airbus investing in local training programs for Nigerian youth, which could eventually lead to aircraft assembly and manufacturing within the country.

“This is not just about selling aircraft; it’s about building a sustainable aviation ecosystem in Nigeria,” he added.

The visit concluded with a guided tour of Airbus’ maintenance facilities, providing Tuggar with valuable insights into the company’s operational capabilities and reinforcing the potential for future collaboration.