Aviation
ETHIOPIAN ENVOY VISITS GANDUJE, Seeks Aviation Partnership Between Nigeria and Ethiopia
The Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Legesse Gerenew Haile, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, at his Abuja residence.
During the visit, the Ethiopian Envoy congratulated Dr.
Ambassador Haile, who was accompanied by Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim, MFR, National Convener of the National Agenda for Tinubu 2027 (NAFT.27), described the visit as both symbolic and historic. He noted that it comes at a time when regional and global stakeholders are working to transform the aviation industry and harness tourism potentials.
Highlighting the successes of Ethiopian Airlines as Africa’s leading carrier, Ambassador Haile expressed optimism that Nigeria could become the continent’s aviation hub if FAAN establishes modern Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in line with the aviation vision of the APC-led administration.
The envoy emphasized the need for both countries, given their long-standing diplomatic, economic, social, and cultural ties, to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as aviation, energy, mining, cement manufacturing, agro-processing, and fintech.
According to him, “Ethiopia and other African countries would be glad to see Nigeria emerge as the leading aviation hub in West and Central Africa, given its size and strategic position on the continent.”
Ambassador Haile further stated, “As Ethiopia Air remains Africa’s largest carrier, we are keen to renew the long-standing relationship between FAAN and the management of Ethiopian Airlines. While I do not wish to revisit past issues, we should explore how best to re-establish future collaboration.”
Commending Dr. Ganduje’s reputation as a seasoned technocrat and development administrator, the envoy added, “I have no doubt that your appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will transform FAAN and reposition Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
On behalf of his country, Ambassador Haile extended an invitation to Dr. Ganduje, the FAAN Board, and top management staff to visit Addis Ababa for an on-the-spot assessment of Ethiopia’s state-of-the-art aviation infrastructure. The visit, he said, would enable FAAN to replicate some of Ethiopia’s cutting-edge facilities in Nigeria, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
In his response, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje thanked the Ethiopian Ambassador for the visit, describing it as a reflection of his goodwill, discipline, and deep affection for Nigeria.
He noted, “Your visit today is a warm gesture from a true friend of Nigeria. As you rightly pointed out, FAAN is exploring partnership opportunities both within and outside Africa, particularly with your country, Ethiopia, to upgrade our airport facilities to global standards.”
Dr. Ganduje emphasized that Nigeria aims to emulate Ethiopia’s success story in aviation, where Ethiopian Airlines stands as the continent’s leading carrier.
He disclosed that, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, discussions are underway for potential multi-billion-dollar Ethiopian investments to enhance infrastructure across Nigeria’s federal airports.
Furthermore, the Ethiopian government is considering a joint venture with Nigeria for the establishment of modern Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.