China meets Keyamo, expresses commitment to support Nigeria’s aviation sector

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has received in separate visits the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and a delegation from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

A statement obtained on Wednesday from Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser, Media & Communications to the Minister, noted that Yu Dunhai conveyed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aviation sector, citing the Nigeri’s population and market potential as an exceptional partner for growth.

The statement reads, “Ambassador Yu Dunhai expressed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that the country’s population and market potential make it a prime partner for growth.

“He described Nigeria as ‘the giant of Africa’ and assured that China is ready to be a reliable partner in its economic recovery.”

It added that COMAC Vice President Yang Yang led discussions with the Minister on aircraft leasing, technical support, and long-term cooperation with Nigerian airlines.

“In his response, the Honourable Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness for strategic collaboration, disclosing that a delegation of domestic airline executives will soon visit COMAC headquarters.

“He further stated that Nigeria is open to allowing COMAC to use the country as a base to access the wider African market,” the statement added.

The release noted that the twin visits mark a significant step in strengthening Nigeria-China aviation relations, opening new opportunities for domestic airlines to access modern aircraft leasing and support services.