President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the Nigeria International Airshow marks a decisive shift in the nation’s global aviation relevance, describing the maiden edition as a defining moment in Nigeria’s century-long aviation journey. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief George Akume, the President said the event places Nigeria “firmly on the global aviation map,” elevating the country into the ranks of established showcases in Farnborough, Paris and Dubai.
Tinubu noted that the Nigeria International Airshow coincides with the 100th anniversary of aviation in Nigeria, a landmark he described as “a new chapter built on innovation, partnerships and progress.” He emphasised that the country’s growth has moved from humble beginnings to clear global ambition. According to him, passenger traffic reached 15.89 million in 2023 and is projected to rise to 25.7 million by 2029, with revenues expected to hit $2.58 billion. He stressed that this growth reflects a sector undergoing rapid modernisation, with major investments reshaping Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
The President highlighted the Federal Government’s extensive infrastructure programme, pointing to upgrades across six major airports and significant runway improvements. He referenced the ₦712 billion refurbishment of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos as a demonstration of government commitment to modern, efficient gateways. His address also underscored Nigeria’s regulatory progress, noting that the country now ranks first in Africa in compliance with international aviation standards. He attributed this achievement to improvements under the Cape Town Convention, which saw Nigeria’s score rise from 49.5 per cent to 75.5 per cent, enabling domestic airlines to access low-cost aircraft financing.
Tinubu reaffirmed that Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul capability remains a central priority. Agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University, he said, will establish world-class MRO facilities that will minimise the over $200 million spent annually on foreign maintenance. He commended Aero Contractors and XEJet for driving this transformation by creating modern maintenance hubs in Lagos and Abuja. The President also noted improvements in international connectivity, including the resumption of Air Peace’s Lagos-London flights and the return of Emirates and Uganda Airlines through revised bilateral agreements.
He emphasised that the government’s long-term objective is clear. “Our aim is to make Nigeria the aviation hub of West and Central Africa,” he said, adding that expanded training centres, stronger partnerships and aircraft component manufacturing programmes will support this ambition. He praised engineers, pilots, regulators and entrepreneurs who continue to drive progress, stating that Nigeria will not only participate in global aviation but increasingly lead it.
Keyamo: Nigeria International Airshow Is ‘A Bold First Step Toward Global Leadership’
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, echoed this optimism, describing the Nigeria International Airshow as a bold start that will evolve into a global benchmark. He said that, for decades, stakeholders questioned when Nigeria would take its rightful place among nations that host world-class airshows. According to him, this inaugural edition provides a confident and decisive answer.
Keyamo noted that although the maiden Nigeria International Airshow may not be perfect, it represents an important foundation. “We are taking baby steps, but we are taking them with courage, conviction and clarity of purpose,” he said. He explained that the event aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, under which aviation has recorded major advancements in safety, infrastructure and regulation. He referred to improved oversight by the NCAA, upgraded runways, modern terminals, enhanced surveillance technology, and growing cargo capacity as evidence of real transformation.
The Minister also highlighted the strengthening of aircraft financing under the Cape Town Convention, especially the operationalisation of IDERA, which has made deregistration and repossession more transparent. According to him, these reforms have boosted investor confidence and expanded access to leasing and financing for Nigerian operators. He further cited NAMA’s modernisation of airspace systems, nationwide PBN implementation and FAAN’s upgraded security and service quality architecture as part of Nigeria’s expanding aviation capacity.
Keyamo said the drive toward an African aviation hub is gathering momentum through improved bilateral relationships, stronger participation in ICAO and AFCAC, increased training at NCAT and deeper private-sector involvement through concessions and PPP frameworks. He added that the Nigeria International Airshow itself is a declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead, innovate and compete on the global stage. He described it as a platform for investors, regulators and young Nigerians to explore aerospace engineering, drones, defence systems and other emerging technologies.
He concluded that the nation is taking small but determined steps toward greatness. “The future of Nigerian aviation is bright,” he said. “Today, at the Nigeria International Airshow, we take flight toward that future, together.”
