Keyamo’s Policy Direction Enhances Aviation Capacity Development

Stories by Chinedu Eze

Nigeria’s effort to develop a world‑class aviation workforce gained a major boost yesterday when the United Nigeria Airlines/Boeing B1/B2 Engineers Training Programme for the Boeing 737‑800 Next Generation (NG) was officially launched.

The programme, a landmark effort to bolster local technical skills, supports Nigeria’s swiftly growing commercial aviation sector. It was formally inaugurated at Aviation Techniks & Trainings International (ATTI) in Ikeja, Lagos, by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and United States Consul General in Nigeria, Mr. Rick Swart. The launch comes at a pivotal time, aligning with the planned entry of fourteen Boeing 737‑800NG aircraft into service by three leading Nigerian carriers—United Nigeria Airlines, ValueJet, and Air Peace.

During the ceremony, Senior Special Adviser to the Minister on Foreign Direct Investment and Capital Improvement Programmes, Obafemi Bajomo, speaking on the minister’s behalf, characterised the initiative as timely and strategic, underscoring the federal government’s dedication to nurturing domestic technical capacity and lessening reliance on overseas maintenance expertise.