Abuja, Nigeria | June 16, 2025 –
Nigeria’s bilateral agreements with global aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus face potential delays due to a worsening global shortage of commercial aircraft, aviation authorities have disclosed.
According to the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the global backlog in aircraft production, exacerbated by supply chain disruptions and rising demand, is threatening the timely delivery of aircraft Nigeria had secured under recent deals aimed at revitalising the country’s aviation sector.
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, confirmed during a media briefing in Abuja that the agreements, which include plans to supply aircraft for the proposed national carrier and to support fleet expansion for local airlines, may experience setbacks.
“The shortage is not unique to Nigeria,” Keyamo said. “Boeing and Airbus are currently overwhelmed with orders globally. However, we are actively engaging both manufacturers to prioritise our agreements, especially given the strategic importance of air connectivity to Nigeria’s economy.”
Industry experts say the shortage is a ripple effect of post-pandemic recovery, raw material scarcity, and limited availability of skilled labor in manufacturing plants. Airlines across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are reporting similar delays.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged domestic carriers to prepare for interim solutions, including lease agreements and maintenance upgrades on existing fleets to maintain operations.
Negotiations are ongoing, and both Boeing and Airbus have reaffirmed their commitment to fulfilling their contracts with Nigeria, albeit with possible adjustments to delivery timelines.