The Federal government says it has unveiled plans to explore strategic collaboration with Newcastle Aerodrome Aviation School in Dublin, Republic of Ireland and the Nigeria College of Aviation Training (NCAT), to strengthen aviation training and manpower development.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who is currently on a working visit to Ireland, led a Nigerian delegation on a technical tour of the aviation school located in Wicklow County.
The visit held on the sidelines of the eighth Africa-Ireland Trade Horizon Conference, focused on potential areas of partnership with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.
The Minister disclosed that key areas discussed include the joint development of aviation training curricula aligned with global standards, a collaborative pilot licensing programme between Ireland and Nigeria, and the development of skills in aircraft engineering and air traffic control to address Nigeria’s growing aviation workforce demands.
During the visit, the Minister was received by the CEO of Newcastle Aerodrome, Mr John Nugent, and inspected key facilities, including the school’s fleet of Viper SD4 trainer aircraft, simulation labs, classrooms, and maintenance hangars.
Keyamo commended the institution’s track record in aviation training and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to forge partnerships that will enhance domestic aviation capabilities and expand the local value chain.
“This visit is a reflection of our commitment to reposition Nigeria as a hub for aviation excellence in Africa through innovation, international cooperation, and skills development,” he said.
The Minister is participating in the Africa-Ireland Trade Horizon Conference as one of the special guests, where he is expected to highlight Nigeria’s drive to deepen international alliances in aviation and infrastructure development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
