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Nigeria’s top aviation regulatory authority, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is actively exploring the possibility of certifying China’s C919 passenger aircraft for use by local airlines. If successful, this move could pave the way for the entry of Chinese-made jets into Africa’s largest aviation market, potentially reshaping fleet composition and aircraft sourcing strategies across the continent.
Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, the Director-General of the NCAA, confirmed that the agency has begun reviewing the certification process for the C919, which could take several months to complete. The C919 is a narrow-body, single-aisle jet developed by China’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer, COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China). It is positioned as China’s alternative to the dominant Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 models.
COMAC has reportedly engaged in several rounds of discussions with Nigerian aviation authorities, expressing strong interest in expanding into Africa. The manufacturer is offering a range of support to facilitate the aircraft’s adoption in Nigeria, including maintenance services, technical training for local personnel, and dry leasing options—where airlines lease the aircraft without crew or operational services.
However, the C919 faces significant challenges in gaining broader international acceptance. Key among these is the lack of certification from major Western aviation regulators such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Further complications arose earlier in the year when the U.S. imposed a temporary halt on the export of CFM International engines used in the C919, due to escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Despite these obstacles, Nigeria’s improved standing in the global aviation community—reflected in its upgraded Aviation Working Group (AWG) rating—has bolstered investor and lessor confidence. This improvement is tied to Nigeria’s stronger adherence to the Cape Town Convention, an international treaty that protects the rights of aircraft lessors and financiers. The positive rating is enabling Nigeria’s 13 registered airlines to more easily lease newer and more modern aircraft.
While air travel in Nigeria remains relatively expensive for the average citizen, data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows a significant decline in real average airfare costs—down by 43.6% between 2011 and 2023. This trend may help expand the market for commercial aviation, providing more opportunities for airlines to invest in newer and possibly more cost-effective aircraft like the C919.
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Currently, the C919 is only operated by Chinese carriers, while COMAC’s smaller regional jet, the ARJ21 (not C909, as occasionally misreported), has seen limited adoption in Southeast Asia. Nigeria’s potential certification of the C919 would mark a significant milestone for COMAC and could encourage other African countries to consider diversifying away from traditional Western aircraft manufacturers.
Should Nigeria proceed with certifying the C919, it would represent more than a fleet expansion—it would signal a deepening of diplomatic and economic ties with China and potentially set a precedent for other African nations to follow.
