Nigeria Considers Certifying China’s C919 Jet, Opening Door for COMAC in African Aviation
Nigeria’s civil aviation regulator is weighing the certification of China’s C919 passenger jet for use by domestic carriers, a move that could pave the way for Chinese aircraft in Africa’s largest aviation market.
According to Reuters, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed that the agency has begun reviewing the months-long certification process for the single-aisle jet.
The C919, developed by state-owned manufacturer COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China), is positioned as China’s answer to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737—the dominant aircraft in the narrow-body segment.
COMAC has engaged in multiple discussions with Nigerian authorities as it seeks a foothold in Africa. However, challenges remain, including the aircraft’s lack of certifications from major Western regulators and delivery delays.
Earlier in 2025, the United States temporarily restricted exports of CFM engines used in the C919 amid trade tensions, adding another layer of complexity.
To attract Nigerian operators, COMAC has offered maintenance and training programs, as well as dry lease agreements—arrangements in which airlines lease planes without crew. Such support could make the C919 more appealing to carriers seeking cost-effective fleet expansion.
Nigeria’s aviation environment has recently improved. The country earned a stronger Aviation Working Group (AWG) rating, reflecting compliance with the Cape Town Convention on aircraft leasing. This upgrade has boosted confidence among lessors, enabling Nigeria’s 13 active airlines to access newer aircraft.
Although air travel remains expensive for many Nigerians, data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that average real airfares fell by 43.6% between 2011 and 2023, reflecting growing accessibility in the market.
So far, the C919 is operated exclusively by Chinese airlines. COMAC’s smaller ARJ21 regional jet (sometimes referred to in foreign reports as the C909) is already in service with three Southeast Asian carriers, providing a potential entry model for African operators.
If Nigeria proceeds with certifying the C919, it would mark a major step in diversifying the country’s aviation fleet while signaling closer aviation and economic ties with Beijing.
For COMAC, gaining approval in Nigeria could serve as a gateway to other African markets eager for alternatives to Western-built aircraft.
