Nigeria’s aviation industry will take centre stage on September 10 as senior government officials, airline executives and regulators gather for the 30th LAAC Annual Conference in Lagos to chart a sustainable future for the sector.
The event, organised by the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), will bring together decision-makers to examine how government revenue generation can be balanced with industry growth. The conference will hold at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja, and is expected to produce recommendations that could shape future aviation policies.
Annual Conference focuses on sustainable aviation growth
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the event. Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Dr. Wale Babalakin, will chair the conference, while Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, will deliver the keynote address.
The conference theme, “Towards a Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth,” reflects growing concerns over rising operating costs, multiple taxes and the need to encourage investment across Nigeria’s aviation value chain.
In addition to the high-level discussions, LAAC will unveil the second edition of its Champions of Aviation publication. The book documents the achievements of aviation agencies, airlines and other organisations that have contributed to the industry’s development.
Chairman of the LAAC Conference Committee, Wole Shadare, described this year’s theme as both relevant and urgent. He said the industry has reached a stage where government revenue expectations must be carefully balanced with policies that encourage investment and long-term sustainability.
“The aviation industry remains a strategic driver of economic development, trade, tourism and national integration. However, increasing fiscal pressures and multiple charges have continued to generate conversations about the need to strike a balance between government revenue generation and the growth of the industry.”
According to Shadare, the conference will provide an opportunity for policymakers, regulators and operators to exchange ideas and develop practical recommendations that can strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“We have assembled some of the most respected voices in the industry to examine these issues from different perspectives. We expect meaningful conversations that will ultimately contribute to policy reforms capable of strengthening Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, LAAC Chairman, Sulaiman Idris, said the conference reflects the association’s long-standing commitment to promoting informed discussions on aviation development through stakeholder engagement.
He noted that the conference has evolved over three decades into one of the industry’s most respected dialogue platforms, consistently addressing issues affecting aviation policy, regulation and commercial growth.
“Our annual conference has earned the confidence of industry stakeholders because it consistently addresses contemporary issues affecting aviation. As we mark the 30th edition, we remain committed to fostering dialogue that supports sustainable growth, enhances operational efficiency and promotes policies that will make Nigeria’s aviation industry more competitive.”
Idris encouraged government agencies, airline operators, airport managers, financial institutions, aviation professionals and members of the public to participate in the event. He said broad stakeholder participation would enrich discussions and produce practical solutions for the industry’s future.
Therefore, expectations are high that the conference will generate fresh ideas on sustainable financing, regulatory reforms, infrastructure development and operational efficiency. Discussions are also expected to examine how government efforts to increase revenue can coexist with policies that promote airline growth and industry competitiveness.
The 30th LAAC Annual Conference is expected to attract participants from every segment of Nigeria’s aviation industry. As the sector faces economic and regulatory challenges, the event offers another opportunity for stakeholders to shape policies capable of supporting sustainable growth and positioning Nigerian aviation for long-term success.
