By Sodeinde Temidayo David, Ashemiriogwa Emmanuel
The federal government of Nigeria has signalled its interest to venture into the manufacturing of aircraft in the country.
The Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, disclosed this in a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr James Odaudu.
He said Nigeria was looking to start local aircraft production with the assistance of the Magnus Aircraft Manufacturing industry in Hungary.
Mr Sirika paid an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary on Monday and he said he was satisfied with the features of the aircraft and was willing to facilitate the production of the aeroplanes in the country.
According to him, “Magnus aircraft is an airplane that is good for military training and has the capability for aerobatic manoeuvring and is made of fully composite materials with high strength and very lightweight.”
He added that the Magnus aircraft used normal car petrol and outperformed any training aircraft of its kind, indicating a very significant feature.
“If we venture with them, we may start with assembly plant and later manufacturing in the country,” he stated.
The Minister stressed that the local production of aircraft in the country will come with maintenance and repair facilities which will not only attract patronage from neighbouring countries but also contribute to the growth of Nigeria as a regional aviation superpower.
The Minister said the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had created an attractive environment for international investors in the country, especially in the aviation sector.
He said this included the ongoing implementation of the development roadmap, which placed emphasis on public-private partnership.
He, however, noted that the proposed liaison with the Hungary-based manufacturer would have to be further deliberated on with proper analysis to verify the market and government’s willingness to partner with a significant amount of money and logistics.
