Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is considering certifying China’s C919 jet for domestic carriers, marking a potential shift in the country’s aviation landscape.
NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, said the agency is reviewing the months-long certification process during discussions with Chinese planemaker COMAC at the ICAO Assembly in Montreal. Currently, the C919 is only flown by Chinese airlines.
The C919, designed to rival the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, faces hurdles including delayed production, missed delivery targets, and the absence of Western aviation approvals. Despite this, COMAC has offered Nigerian airlines maintenance support, training, and dry lease arrangements to ease adoption.
Airline executives, including NG Eagle’s CEO Abdullahi Ahmed, have expressed interest in the aircraft if it is certified and supported locally. Nigeria’s improved Aviation Working Group rating has also boosted lessor confidence, giving its 13 airlines better access to modern aircraft.
For Nigeria, home to Africa’s largest population, the move could help diversify fleets, cut costs, and strengthen strategic ties with China. Officials say certification would also position Nigeria as an early adopter of the C919 in Africa, opening doors for wider regional use.
