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From Uche Usim, Abuja
Domestic airlines in Nigeria can now heave a sigh of relief as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center in-country.
FEC’s blessings follows the issuance of a Full Business Case (FBC) Compliance Certificate by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to the Federal Ministry of Aviation months ago.
According to the ICRC, the MRO center, which is going to be the first in West and Central Africa, will be a one-stop-shop for the overhaul, routine maintenance and service of aircraft.
Established as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Messrs AJW Consortium as the concessionaire and using the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) PPP model, the centre is approved for a concession period of 30 years and is expected to generate about $185 million within the period.
The ICRC added that the MRO was part of the key elements in the aviation sector roadmap of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The Roadmap in Aviation was an outcome of a careful appraisal of the challenges, risks and opportunities of the air transport sector in Nigeria after due consultation with key stakeholders.
“It is aimed at addressing the challenges of the sector, filling the identified gaps and creating the needed environment for active private sector participation in the development of the nation’s aviation sector.
“The establishment of a private sector-driven Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Centre is critical for the diversification and repositioning of the Aviation Industry as it will provide a platform for aircraft repairs, overhaul and maintenance” the agency added.
