French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation is considering the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport in Ogun State. The potential investment marks a significant step toward positioning the state as a major player in West Africa’s aviation and aerospace sector.
The development was disclosed on Friday through a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. The governor revealed that top executives from Dassault Aviation recently visited the state to assess investment prospects tied to the Gateway Airport and the broader Aerotropolis project.
Governor Abiodun expressed optimism that the collaboration with Dassault Aviation would catalyze economic growth, create high-value jobs, and boost Ogun’s standing as an aviation hub. He noted that the state’s ongoing investments in infrastructure, especially the newly inaugurated Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport, have begun to attract global interest from industry leaders.
Dassault Aviation, known globally for manufacturing the Falcon series of business jets and the Rafale fighter aircraft, has a strong presence in global aviation, with expertise in aircraft development and MRO services. Their interest in Ogun State signals a potential strategic expansion into Africa, aligning with Nigeria’s push to develop its aviation infrastructure and attract foreign direct investment.
The Gateway Airport, located in Iperu, was commissioned in 2023 and is being developed as part of a larger Aerotropolis vision that includes logistics, agriculture, and aviation services. The proposed MRO facility would enhance Nigeria’s aviation capabilities by providing maintenance services locally, reducing reliance on foreign MRO centers, and lowering operational costs for airlines in the region.
If the partnership materializes, it could mark a major milestone not just for Ogun State, but for Nigeria’s ambition to become a regional leader in aviation infrastructure and services.
