Boeing trains Nigerian engineers to boost aviation safety
Lagos, June 2026 (TBL Africa) Boeing has confirmed the start of advanced technical training for 16 engineers from United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet, aimed at strengthening aviation safety and workforce development in Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday by Boeing’s Vice President, Commercial Sales and Marketing, Mr Anbessie Yitbarek, the first tranche of the programme will run in Lagos from June 16 to July 29,
Yitbarek said the initiative formed part of efforts to improve operational readiness, safety standards and technical expertise across Africa’s aviation sector.
He explained that the engineers would undergo intensive training covering the Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft’s avionics, airframe, powerplant and electrical systems.
According to him, participants will also receive instruction on aircraft characteristics, system operations, component locations, servicing connections, indications and testing procedures.
The programme includes ramp and transit maintenance practices designed to enhance commercial aircraft dispatch reliability and operational efficiency.
Yitbarek said trainees would be awarded European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) theoretical training certificates upon completion of the course.
He added that a second tranche of the training programme would be conducted later in the year.
The Boeing executive noted that the initiative stemmed from a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Boeing and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
He said the agreement was designed to advance Nigeria’s aviation industry through technical collaboration and capacity-building initiatives.
“Investing in technical capability and safety leadership is essential to supporting the long-term and sustainable growth and resilience of Africa’s aviation sector.
“Nigeria is one of Africa’s most important aviation markets and Boeing is proud to support the development of highly skilled local engineering talent that will help strengthen operational reliability and safety standards across the region,” Yitbarek said.
The training will also cover safety precautions, human factors and operational best practices for engineers working under EASA Part 66 regulations for B1 and B2 licensed maintenance personnel.
Boeing’s Field Service team will provide on-site operational support for Boeing 737 aircraft operated by Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Max Air, ValueJet and United Nigeria Airlines.
Operational flights will also be conducted by Boeing Flight Operations Representative pilots to support regional aviation safety initiatives.
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
