Nigeria’s civil aviation regulator says it is considering certifying China’s C919 passenger jet for use by local airlines, in what could mark a new phase of cooperation between Abuja and Beijing.
The C919, built by China’s state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is designed to rival Boeing and Airbus in the narrow-body jet market. But the aircraft has yet to secure validation from Western aviation authorities, limiting its global reach.
Captain Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), told Reuters on the sidelines of the U.N. aviation agency’s assembly in Montreal that the agency may begin the certification process, which could take several months.
“We’re looking at the certification of the airplane. First of all, that is where we have to start,” Najomo said, stressing that the absence of Western certification would not deter Nigeria from exploring the option.
COMAC has stepped up engagement with Nigeria, offering training and maintenance support, as well as dry lease arrangements that allow airlines to lease aircraft without crew.
Najomo confirmed the company’s proposals: “We just told them that if they can make sure they facilitate a good dry lease arrangement, it’s better.”
One carrier, NG Eagle, has already expressed interest. Its CEO, Abdullahi Ahmed, said the airline was open to expanding its fleet beyond three jets and would consider the C919 if it comes with maintenance and training backing.
Nigeria, with a population of 230 million, is viewed as a fast-growing aviation market. Recent reforms, including an improved Aviation Working Group rating for compliance with the Cape Town Convention, have boosted confidence among global lessors and widened access to modern aircraft.
While flying remains expensive for many Nigerians, data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that average real airfares in the country fell by 43.6% between 2011 and 2023.
The C919 is currently operated only by Chinese carriers, while COMAC’s smaller regional jet, the C909, is flown by three Southeast Asian airlines.
If certified in Nigeria, the C919 could gain a crucial foothold in Africa as COMAC looks to expand beyond Asia.
