Bismarck Rewane to Speak at 2025 LAAC Conference

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The League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) has confirmed Mr Bismarck Rewane as a keynote speaker for its 29th annual event. Rewane, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, is a renowned economist and financial analyst with decades of experience. He brings deep insight into economic forecasting, fiscal strategies, and sustainable funding models vital for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

This year’s Nigeria aviation financing conference is themed “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects.” It will take place on Thursday, 7 August 2025, at The Providence Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos. According to organisers, the conference will examine long-term financing options, reforms, and partnerships to secure Nigeria’s aviation future.

LAAC Chairman of the Conference Committee, Mr Wole Shadare, disclosed that preparations have reached the final phase. He assured stakeholders of a high-impact event, combining thought leadership and practical policy recommendations. “The addition of Bismarck Rewane brings unmatched intellectual weight. The agenda is both robust and forward-thinking,” Shadare said.

The event continues to receive endorsements from major aviation regulators, international carriers, financial institutions, and state governments. This broad support highlights the urgency of addressing sector financing, a challenge that has long limited infrastructure development and fleet expansion.

Confirmed as Chairman of the conference is Mr Gbenga Alade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). His presence, according to the organisers, adds depth from a financial restructuring perspective. Dr Gabriel Gbenga Olowo, aviation economist and Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, will deliver a keynote exploring the economics of air transport in volatile markets.

Special Guest of Honour at the event will be Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN. His presence is expected to provide vital government insight into reform policies, regulatory alignment, and the broader transport financing framework. Also billed to speak is Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, who will deliver a regulatory goodwill message on the Authority’s role in enabling investor confidence.

A significant highlight of the Nigeria aviation financing conference will be its expert panel sessions. Panelists will include Mr Alex Nwuba, Chairman, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; Mr Chris Aligbe, Chief Executive Officer of Belujane Konzult; and Dr Thomas Ogungbangbe, CEO of CITA Energies Limited. Others are Captain Roland Iyayi, CEO of TopBrass Aviation; Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); and Dr Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.

These speakers will lead discussions on issues such as infrastructure investment, MRO funding, aircraft leasing, Jet A1 pricing, and insurance management. In addition, regulatory reforms, consumer protection, and technology upgrades in navigational infrastructure will also be discussed in depth. Each session is designed to foster dialogue among financiers, operators, regulators, and policymakers.

To further enrich the experience, LAAC will unveil a compendium titled Celebrating Champions of Aviation Development. The publication will spotlight individuals, institutions, and administrations that have significantly contributed to sectoral growth since 1999.

LAAC expects this year’s event to surpass previous editions in reach and impact. With the convergence of financial minds and aviation experts, stakeholders anticipate practical solutions to challenges facing Nigeria’s air transport sector. The organisers reiterated their commitment to delivering a seamless event with strong logistics, interactive sessions, and informed participation.

The Nigeria aviation financing conference is recognised as a premier forum where real sector challenges meet data-driven policy engagement. With Rewane’s participation, the 2025 edition is expected to set new standards in financial discourse within the aviation community.