MoFI, Qatar Explore Strategic Aviation Investment Deal

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BY ANTHONY OMOH

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, today welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI) and their Qatari partners, Power International Holdings, to explore a strategic aviation investment collaboration aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and boosting investor confidence.

The visit, led by Managing Director of MoFI, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, focused on presenting viable investment pathways across key sectors of the aviation value chain. These include terminal upgrades, cargo development, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and improved airport efficiency.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, the MoFI delegation praised the recent introduction of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) and the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA). Dr. Takang described them as “policy game changers” that de-risk investment and support a strong aviation legal framework.

He emphasized that these instruments align closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda, which aims to grow Nigeria’s GDP through strategic sectors like aviation, transportation, and logistics.

While acknowledging the significance of this engagement, Keyamo said that the involvement of MoFI brings much-needed financial strategy to the government’s aviation reform programme. He noted that aviation thrives on confidence and long-term capital, both of which MoFI is well-positioned to attract.

In his words, “Sound policy is the foundation of investment attraction. MoFI is the missing link we have needed to unlock aviation’s full potential. I am eager to explore this strategic aviation investment collaboration.”

The MoFI chief also outlined how the ministry could intervene through capital injection into critical infrastructure, particularly in overburdened terminals. He added that MoFI could work with relevant institutions to facilitate sovereign guarantees, attract concessional loans, and structure public-private partnerships that ensure sustainable returns.

Furthermore, Dr. Takang said that optimizing underutilized assets within the aviation ecosystem—such as real estate, cargo sheds, and logistics zones—could deliver measurable results in a short time. This aligns with MoFI’s mandate to extract value from government-owned assets.

Representatives of Power International Holdings, who joined the meeting, expressed strong interest in long-term participation. They noted that Nigeria’s location, population, and growing aviation demand make it an attractive investment destination.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both parties to set up a joint working group. This team will develop a roadmap for collaboration, conduct feasibility assessments, and draw up actionable investment models that can be activated in the short to medium term.

This high-level engagement marks a crucial step in using institutional capital to reposition aviation as a critical contributor to Nigeria’s economy. It reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to ensuring that public policy translates into measurable private sector-led outcomes.

With the proposed strategic aviation investment collaboration, Nigeria is poised to modernize its aviation infrastructure and reinforce investor trust through transparency and sound financial planning.