Nigeria’s efforts to modernise its air force have encountered a snag, as plans to acquire two Airbus C-295 transport aircraft have slowed. The Nigerian Air Force, tasked with addressing the country’s pressing need for improved troop mobility and logistical support, had pinned hopes on these aircraft to bolster its capabilities. However, negotiations with Airbus, the European manufacturer behind the C-295, have faltered, largely due to financing hurdles and possibly sluggish approval processes within Nigeria’s defence ministry. Meanwhile, Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace company, has seized the moment to advocate for its C-390 Millennium, a larger and more advanced transport plane, positioning it as a compelling alternative.
For years, the Nigerian Air Force has relied on a modest fleet of three ageing C-130 aircraft to fulfil its transport requirements. These planes, though once reliable, are no longer sufficient to handle the demands of a nation grappling with diverse security challenges, from insurgencies in the northeast to humanitarian crises across its vast terrain. Recognising this gap, Nigeria’s leadership turned its attention to the Airbus C-295, a light transport aircraft known for its versatility and affordability. The interest dates back to at least October 2016, when a Nigerian delegation visited Spain, the C-295’s manufacturing hub, to explore its potential. At the time, discussions hinted at equipping the aircraft for multiple roles, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions alongside its core transport functions.
The NAF is looking for a replacement for its ageing fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules, which have been in service since 1975. The NAF launched a procurement programme between 2014 and 2016 to acquire 5–10 medium tactical transport aircraft and invited bids from various manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin, Airbus, and Shaanxi.
Formal intent solidified in March 2022, when then-Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Oladayo Amao welcomed the Spanish Ambassador, Juan Ignacio Sell, to NAF Headquarters in Abuja. Amao outlined a vision of collaboration with Spain, encompassing not only aircraft acquisition but also training, air operations, and intelligence sharing. The C-295 seemed an ideal fit: capable of moving troops and cargo across Nigeria’s varied landscapes, supporting humanitarian efforts, performing medical evacuations, and enhancing surveillance along coastlines. Its reputation for reliability and lower operational costs further sweetened the prospect, promising a practical solution for a cash-strapped military.
Yet, despite years of dialogue, the deal remains elusive. Airbus has proposed financing packages, including export credit options, to ease the burden on Nigeria’s budget. These offers, however, require the green light from the defence ministry, a slow step. In July 2024, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the head of the NAF travelled to Madrid to assess progress firsthand, a trip that underscored the urgency of the situation.
Embraer, eager to sway Nigeria with its C-390 Millennium. Unlike the C-295, the C-390 is a heavier, faster aircraft, boasting a higher payload capacity that suits it for rapid deployment and demanding lift missions. In early 2024, Embraer brought the C-390 to Kaduna in northern Nigeria for a demonstration flight, allowing NAF officials to witness its capabilities up close. The following April, Air Marshal Abubakar travelled to Brazil to meet with Embraer’s team, deepening the conversation around a potential deal. These engagements signal Embraer’s determination to secure Nigeria as a customer, capitalising on the Airbus delay to make a persuasive case.
The C-390’s appeal lies in its robust performance. It can ferry larger loads of troops and equipment, offering a strategic advantage for a military stretched across Nigeria’s expansive geography. Its speed and flexibility also make it well-suited for urgent humanitarian missions or medical evacuations, scenarios where time is critical. By contrast, the C-295 excels in routine transport and cost efficiency, a proven design that aligns with immediate budgetary realities. Nigeria faces a choice between the C-295’s practicality and the C-390’s forward-looking potential, a decision complicated by the stalled Airbus talks.
Embraer’s ambitions extend far beyond Nigeria. The company has mounted an aggressive campaign across Africa, targeting nations with ageing fleets and rising defence needs. At the 4th African Air Forces Forum, held in Lagos from May 22 to 23, 2025, Embraer showcased the C-390 as part of the NAF’s 61st anniversary celebrations. The event drew over 2,000 attendees, providing a platform to engage with Nigerian defence leaders and other regional stakeholders. Months earlier, from September 18 to 22, 2024, the C-390 took centre stage at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in South Africa, where it was presented to President Cyril Ramaphosa and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga. Embraer emphasised the aircraft’s versatility, pitching it for firefighting, disaster relief, and peacekeeping roles that resonate with South Africa’s requirements.
South Africa’s interest is particularly telling. The South African Air Force has long struggled with its C-130BZ Hercules fleet, plagued by maintenance woes and limited availability. The C-390, demonstrated to the SAAF in November 2023, offers a modern replacement, a prospect reinforced during a November 2024 visit to Embraer’s Brazilian facilities. That delegation, including Brigadier General Carl Moatshe and executives from Denel, South Africa’s state-owned defence firm, toured production lines for both the C-390 and the A-29 Super Tucano, another Embraer aircraft gaining traction in Africa. These interactions reflect a growing partnership with South Africa, which resulted in an MoU with state-owned Denel.
Elsewhere, Embraer has made inroads with Angola and Morocco, the latter reportedly closer to a deal. This continent-wide push reveals Embraer’s strategic calculus: Africa represents a burgeoning market for military aviation, driven by the need for adaptable, cost-effective aircraft. The C-390, with its advanced technology and multi-mission capability, positions Embraer to meet that demand, while the A-29 Super Tucano complements its portfolio for light attack and training roles. Nigeria, as a regional powerhouse, is a linchpin in this strategy, its decision likely to influence other nations’ procurement choices.
For Nigeria, the stakes are high. The NAF’s current fleet cannot keep pace with the country’s security and humanitarian demands, a reality that grows more pressing amid delays with Airbus. The C-295 remains a sensible option—reliable, affordable, and backed by an established support network. Yet the C-390’s superior capacity and speed offer a longer-term investment, potentially elevating Nigeria’s operational reach and regional influence. The defence ministry’s hesitation over financing, however, suggests that economic constraints may tip the scales, even as Embraer’s demonstrations keep the pressure on.
This unfolding competition mirrors broader trends in African defence. Nations across the continent are seeking to replace outdated aircraft with platforms that balance cost and capability. The C-295 and C-390 each cater to this need in distinct ways, the former as a steady workhorse, the latter as a high-performance contender. The stalled C-295 negotiations have given Embraer an opening, but the Brazilian firm must still overcome the same bureaucratic and financial hurdles that have stymied Airbus.
Meanwhile, China is also eyeing Nigeria as a potential customer for its Y-20 E multi-role transport aircraft, the largest military aircraft currently in production. The Y-20 E, nicknamed “Chubby Girl”, is a four-engine, heavy-lift aircraft that can carry up to 73 short tons of payload, and can operate in diverse conditions, such as high altitude, hot weather, and rough terrain.
