Air Vice Marshal A. A. Suleh, Air Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Air Force Logistics Command, has stated that Nigeria possesses the key ingredients needed to become a leading aviation and aerospace hub in Africa.
Speaking at the International Conference Fellowship Conferment organized by the Institute of Nigerian Aeronautical Engineers (INAE) in Lagos, he noted that the country’s large population, strategic location, skilled workforce, aviation institutions, and active private sector provide a strong foundation for growth.
According to Suleh, “the challenge is not a lack of potential but the inability to translate these advantages into sustainable economic and industrial success through consistent policies, long-term planning, and disciplined execution”.
He identified several obstacles slowing the industry’s progress, including dependence on foreign maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, limited access to certified spare parts and specialized tools, high foreign exchange costs for aircraft acquisition and maintenance, aging infrastructure, and insufficient local production of aviation components.
He also highlighted the disconnect between academic training and the practical needs of the aviation industry.
Suleh emphasized that any locally produced aviation component must meet international airworthiness and safety standards before it can be used.
He stressed that local content should never come at the expense of quality, certification, or regulatory compliance.
Drawing lessons from the Nigerian Air Force, he explained the importance of developing self-reliance in aircraft maintenance and logistics. He noted that global supply chain disruptions, diplomatic restrictions, and foreign exchange challenges make it necessary for Nigeria to build its own capacity to inspect, maintain, and repair critical aviation assets.
To reposition the sector, Suleh proposed a six-point strategy: “Develop a long-term national aviation and aerospace strategy that extends beyond political administrations and focuses on clear goals over the next 10 to 30 years.
“Establish a competitive MRO ecosystem to reduce aircraft downtime, retain industry spending within Nigeria, create jobs, and attract business from other African countries.
“Strengthen safety standards, airworthiness systems, quality assurance, and human capital development, Promote local manufacturing of selected aviation equipment and non-flight-critical components such as maintenance tools, support equipment, electrical harnesses, and hydraulic hoses.
“Encourage research and innovation to address industry-specific challenges including corrosion, obsolete aircraft parts, fuel efficiency, supply chain delays, and aging aircraft.
“Accelerate digital transformation through technologies such as electronic records, inventory management systems, predictive maintenance, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and cybersecurity.”
Mr Suleh also called on the Institute of Nigerian Aeronautical Engineers to continue promoting professional excellence, mentoring young engineers, strengthening collaboration between industry and academia, and providing technical guidance to government institutions.
He concluded that with coordinated planning, investment, and commitment to global standards, Nigeria can unlock its vast aviation potential and become a major player in Africa’s aerospace industry.