LAGOS, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Nigeria on Thursday announced

the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Boeing ( BA )

that will enhance Nigerian airlines' ability to lease new

aircraft and get maintenance and technical support.

Boeing ( BA ), which supplies 60 airlines with 500 airplanes

throughout Africa, projects the continent will need 1,170

airplanes over the next two decades.

The MOU signed in Seattle on Wednesday by Nigerian aviation

minister Festus Keyamo and Boeing ( BA ) executives will see the

manufacturer provide planning workshops, training, technical

support and assessments to Nigerian airline operators.

Under the terms of the MOU, Boeing Airports Engineering team

will provide consultation to open or expand airport capabilities

across Nigeria and offer advisory services on the development of

local aircraft maintenance facilities.

"This partnership with Boeing ( BA ) represents a significant

milestone in our efforts to modernise and enhance the

capabilities of Nigerian airlines," Keyamo said.

Boeing ( BA ) vice president of Commercial Sales for Africa

Anbessie Yitbarek said the agreement is an important step in

establishing a sustainable civil aviation ecosystem in Nigeria.