Minister Festus Keyamo’s initiative to domesticate foreign training has faced scrutiny from unions, though both sides present valid arguments. Given the country’s lack of facilities for specialised aviation training, ANTHONY OMOH examines the key points raised in the debate. Excerpts.
Minister Festus Keyamo recently announced plans to domesticate foreign training, stating that it would reduce capital flight and enhance local capacity building. He emphasized the need to conserve foreign exchange and utilise local resources for developing Nigeria’s aviation sector. This initiative aims to align with national self-reliance goals, create opportunities for local professionals, and boost Nigerian-trained professionals’ global competitiveness. However, the unions stress that domestic aviation training limitations require a gradual, well-planned approach to achieve these ambitious goals.
Keyamo had visited Prime Atlantic Safety Services, a facility he believes could significantly enhance the sector’s development. This is especially as the facility managers have added an Aviation training Centre to their portfolio. They are however, seeking global accreditation in specialised aviation related training courses
While making his points, the minister stressed, “We need to conserve our foreign exchange. I want to build capacity at reasonable costs within Nigeria, using local resources as much as possible.”
This strategic shift aims not only to conserve resources but also to create more opportunities for professionals to receive training locally.

He further remarked, “I have gone around the world myself. We spend vast amounts sending people abroad, yet some global training centers operate within a single building.” He highlighted the importance of leveraging local facilities to cut costs and retain foreign exchange.
The unions recognize the minister’s intentions but assert that Nigeria’s aviation training needs cannot be fully met locally yet. Leaders of the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association (ATSSSAN) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) underscored the need to balance cost reduction with maintaining high-quality training standards.
Comrade Ilitrus Ahmadu told NigerianFLIGHTDECK that NCAT operates as a certified Approved Training Organisation (ATO) but lacks adequate curriculum and capacity. He said, “Overseas facilities are the only places offering certain type ratings and specialized mandatory training unavailable locally.”

These training programs often require advanced booking as global participants compete for limited slots, making proactive measures essential.” He added, “Since the aviation industry evolves daily, we must train on emerging technologies to perform critical civil aviation functions effectively.”
Ahmadu elaborated, “Nigeria currently lacks the infrastructure and resources for some mandatory training, such as simulators and laboratories. These specialised tools cannot simply be transported to Nigeria for domestication.” He suggested a phased approach: “We should gradually develop in-house training capacity to enable future self-reliance for specialised aviation training.”
NAAPE President, Comrade Abednego Galadinma, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the nobility of Keyamo’s ambition. He said, “Anything the government can do to save foreign exchange is desirable, but it requires proper planning. Aviation is a global business and cannot be localised without thorough needs assessment.”
Galadinma warned, “Rushing to limit foreign training without a solid plan will backfire. A carefully designed roadmap ensures smooth transitions without creating gaps. NCAT has existed for 60 years; what prevents it from meeting training demands? To bridge this gap, we must train local instructors, provide simulators, and supply the necessary tools.”
He stressed that aviation training is hands-on and cannot succeed without adequate infrastructure.
Abayomi Agoro, President of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), also emphasized the government’s commitment to domesticate air traffic controller training. s. According to Agoro, while controllers currently train abroad for specialized courses, accredited programs in Nigeria will eventually replace the need for overseas training.
In his words, “We did not use radar training in Nigeria, but the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) got a radar and became accredited for that training.” Agoro further highlighted how NCAT now offers radar training, allowing ATCs to develop necessary skills locally. This transition demonstrates the value of investing in domestic aviation infrastructure to bolster the industry’s sustainability.
However, courses like Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) require international expertise due to technical complexity. Agoro explained, “We do ab initio training locally, but courses like Search and Rescue are unavailable in Zaria’s curriculum.”

He noted that Kenya provides a cost-effective option for training, offering specialized programs that meet the industry’s operational requirements.
While efforts to domesticate courses continue, accessing international training remains essential for building competency in advanced aviation technologies like CPDLC.
The shift towards domesticating more courses, including CPDLC, aligns with the industry’s broader goals of self-reliance and operational cost efficiency.
Agoro feels the move to localize training is not only practical but also vital for strengthening the aviation sector’s competency and resilience. Transitioning to domestic programs for specialized training like CPDLC marks a significant step forward in reducing dependence on foreign institutions.
The debate over foreign training versus domestic aviation training limitations requires critical evaluation to ensure standards remain uncompromised. Both Ilitrus and Abednego emphasized that while Keyamo’s initiative aims to save foreign exchange, quality must not suffer. Achieving this balance depends on strategic planning, infrastructure development, and collaboration between the government, training institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
For Nigeria to meet its aviation sector goals, domestic aviation training limitations need to be addressed. The country needs a long-term plan focused on developing institutions with globally recognized accreditations. Investing in instructor training, modernising facilities, and incorporating emerging technologies can bridge gaps and enable specialised training delivery locally. By collaborating with private companies, the government can create training programs aligned with industry demands while fostering local talent to compete globally.