FG engages Aercap, Afreximbank to enhance airline capacity, financing

The Federal Government has engaged global aircraft leasing firm, Aercap, and the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) to strengthen airline operational capacity and expand access to aviation financing in the country.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

According to the statement, the engagements took place on the sidelines of the ongoing Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, where Nigeria’s aviation reform and transformation agenda gained renewed momentum.

Moshood said discussions with Aercap focused on building a long-term strategic partnership aligned with Nigeria’s fleet modernisation objectives and the urgent need to enhance operational capacity among Nigerian airline operators.

“The discussions explored innovative leasing solutions, flexible financing structures and practical pathways for fleet renewal to support Nigerian airlines’ access to modern, fuel-efficient aircraft,” he said.

He noted that improved access to modern aircraft is critical to boosting operational efficiency, enhancing safety standards, lowering operating costs and positioning Nigerian carriers to compete more effectively on regional and global routes.

The special adviser further revealed that Keyamo also held a high-level partnership meeting with Afreximbank, led by Kanayo Awani, its Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development.

The minister also met with Helen Brume, Director and Global Head, Project and Asset-Based Finance, as part of efforts to deepen aviation finance partnerships and leverage Afreximbank’s catalytic role in supporting African airlines.

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According to Moshood, the discussions centred on structured financing, trade-enabling instruments and risk-mitigation solutions capable of supporting fleet development and airline sustainability.

“Discussions underscored a shared commitment to a collaborative government–industry approach that places aviation at the centre of economic growth, regional integration and intra-African trade,” he said.

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He added that particular emphasis was placed on developing financing frameworks that can unlock long-term value for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

Moshood said the engagements reflect a proactive, market-facing aviation diplomacy by the minister, aimed at ensuring Nigeria remains attractive to global aircraft lessors, financiers and investors.

He added that the strategy is geared towards delivering a stronger, safer and more competitive aviation sector capable of supporting the country’s broader economic development goals.

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