Business Aviation Gets Major Boost as NBAC Returns
Business aviation in Nigeria is set for renewed industry collaboration as the Nigerian Business Aviation Conference (NBAC) returns in May 2027 after a 10-year hiatus. The comeback comes as Africa records strong market growth, creating fresh opportunities for investment, infrastructure development and regional connectivity.
Organised by EAN Aviation under the theme One Sky Many Stakeholders, NBAC 2027 will unite operators, regulators, government bodies, finance and leasing providers, original equipment manufacturers, investors and aircraft owners. The gathering will bring together Nigerian, African and international stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and support sustainable growth across the aviation sector.
Business Aviation Records Strong African Growth
The conference returns at a pivotal time for business aviation. According to the WingX Global Market Tracker, Africa was the world’s fastest-growing business aviation region in 2025. Departures increased by 15%, compared with global growth of 5%, highlighting the continent’s expanding market potential.
Nigeria remains central to this momentum. WingX recorded 49,586 business aviation departures from the country between January 2019 and May 2026. This represented 19% of Africa’s total activity. Lagos and Abuja ranked as the continent’s two busiest airports, while domestic operations accounted for 80% of Nigerian activity.
These figures underline the importance of business aviation to Nigeria’s commercial connectivity. The sector provides an alternative where scheduled airline services do not always connect commercial centres efficiently. It also supports businesses, investors and specialist teams travelling to locations critical to trade and economic development.
Demuren: Collaboration Is Key to Sustainable Growth
Chief Executive Officer of EAN Aviation and Chairman of the NBAC Steering Committee, Segun Demuren, said the figures demonstrate the strength of Nigeria’s market and its future opportunities.
“These figures demonstrate both the strength of Nigerian business aviation and the opportunity ahead,” Demuren said. He explained that the sector supports mobility, investment and trade across Nigeria and Africa, particularly where scheduled services cannot efficiently connect important commercial centres.
However, Demuren stressed that rising demand alone cannot guarantee sustainable industry development. Financing, infrastructure, maintenance capacity, skilled personnel, technology and enabling regulation remain essential to long-term progress.
“No single organisation or part of the industry can deliver all of that independently,” he said. Demuren added that NBAC’s return would unite stakeholders capable of turning market momentum into lasting industry development.
NBAC 2027 Targets Investment and Industry Partnerships
NBAC 2027 will bring public- and private-sector stakeholders together to address these priorities and develop practical solutions suited to African operating conditions. Discussions will focus on the requirements for a stronger business aviation ecosystem, including infrastructure, regulation, investment and technical capacity.
For international participants, the conference will offer direct access to one of Africa’s important business aviation markets. It will also provide insights into local operating requirements and opportunities to establish credible partnerships in Nigeria and across West Africa.
EAN Aviation has organised all four previous editions of NBAC. With more than 15 years of experience across the Nigerian business aviation value chain, the company brings knowledge of the local operating environment and established regional and international industry relationships.
The conference’s return therefore offers stakeholders an opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas and identify practical solutions to shared challenges. Its theme, One Sky Many Stakeholders, emphasises collaboration as the sector seeks to translate increasing activity into broader economic value.
About the Nigerian Business Aviation Conference
The Nigerian Business Aviation Conference is a summit dedicated to advancing business and general aviation across Nigeria and West Africa. Returning in May 2027, NBAC aims to strengthen industry collaboration, encourage investment, support progressive regulation and advance innovation.
Through engagement across the aviation value chain, the conference seeks to unlock sustainable economic opportunities and support the industry’s long-term development.
As Nigeria’s business aviation market continues to demonstrate significant activity, NBAC 2027 will provide a platform for stakeholders to explore how partnerships and coordinated action can support the next phase of growth.
