The Federal Government of Nigeria is currently working to certify China’s C919 jet for use by the country’s carriers. Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said the agency is evaluating the certification process so the aircraft can operate on domestic routes. This move aligns with China’s broader effort to expand its presence in the global aviation market. The C919, produced by Chinese planemaker COMAC, is intended to compete with leading Western manufacturers Airbus and Boeing.
COMAC has been in talks with Nigeria about the aircraft and has offered maintenance and training support for any planes operated by Nigerian carriers. The company is also exploring dry‑lease arrangements, which involve leasing aircraft without crew. Najomo noted that if COMAC can provide a favorable dry‑lease deal, it would be beneficial for the NCAA’s certification efforts. Such an arrangement is expected to boost confidence among lessors, enabling Nigeria’s 13 airlines to access newer planes on the leasing market.
At present, the C919 is operated only by Chinese airlines, but Nigerian certification could open the door for its use by airlines in other African countries. COMAC, however, faces challenges, including the lack of benchmark certifications from Western regulators, delays in delivery targets, and a temporary halt by the United States on exports of the CFM engines used on the C919 due to trade conflicts.
Despite these obstacles, the certification process is significant for Nigeria’s aviation industry, which has seen a decline in air‑travel costs in recent years. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that average real airfare fell 43.6 % between 2011 and 2023. Certifying the C919 could give Nigerian airlines access to newer, more efficient aircraft, potentially leading to further reductions in air‑travel costs.
The Nigerian government’s consideration of C919 certification marks a notable development in its efforts to expand the aviation sector. As the process advances, monitoring progress and potential industry implications will be essential. With the global aviation market continuing to evolve, the certification of the C919 could have significant repercussions for airlines and passengers in Nigeria and beyond.
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