Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb. (UK) has been commended by the President and Commander-in-Chief Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his decisive reforms and strategic leadership in repositioning the aviation sector. He commended FAAN for sustaining FNAC as a credible platform for innovation, partnership, and policy dialogue, assuring continued government support for investors, regulators, operators, and development partners. The commendation came as the President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, declared open the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC), held on 17th November, 2025 at Eko Hotel, Lagos. Keyamo, while delivering his welcome address reaffirmed Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector through sustained investment, strategic partnerships, and enhanced global engagements. Speaking on behalf of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, emphasized that the conference reflects Nigeria’s ambition to position aviation as a catalyst for economic growth, investment, and global competitiveness. He commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for organizing an event that highlights the renewed vision and purpose of the aviation industry. He noted that Nigeria remains a strategic aviation hub with a large, dynamic market attractive to both local and international investors. Keyamo outlined major areas in which investors can partner with FAAN under transparent Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks, which includes; Airport Infrastructure Modernization which includes; modernization of terminals, rehabilitation of runways, expansion of aprons, and development of new cargo complexes, establishment of a World-Class MRO Hub which aims to position Nigeria as a regional Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center to serve West and Central Africa, reduce capital flight, and create high-skill jobs supports for Aviation Leasing Companies. Also, the expansion of Cargo and Logistics Hubs to boost Nigeria’s agricultural and manufacturing exports, dedicated cargo hubs at key FAAN airports will also unlock agro-export opportunities and integrate Nigeria into global value chains. Keyamo emphasized that these opportunities are not theoretical but actionable, with FAAN prepared to present timelines, data, and structured business cases to interested partners. Keyamo further highlighted that FNAC 2025 with the theme: “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry Through Investment, Partnership and Global Engagements.”, marks a major inflexion point for the aviation industry, noting that the narrative has shifted from “problem-spotting” to “solution-building.” He urged stakeholders to engage deeply, review proposals, and collaborate with FAAN to build the aviation ecosystem Africa deserves and called on stakeholders to support the ministry’s preparations for the upcoming Nigeria International Airshow (NIA) 2025, aimed at further positioning Nigeria as a major aviation hub in Africa. Managing Director, FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, described FNAC 2025 as Nigeria’s flagship aviation business forum and noted that the conference featuring exhibitions, panel sessions, roundtable discussions, and networking engagements aims to encourage investments in aviation infrastructure; support local airlines through strategic partnerships and access to capital; attract foreign direct investment and technical expertise; boost non-aeronautical revenues through commercial, tourism, and logistics development; and strengthen capacity building for aviation professionals. She thanked President Tinubu for his sweeping reforms, noting that his Renewed Hope Agenda continues to enhance airport efficiency, passenger experience, and international confidence. The two-day event had in attendance Stakeholders, Industry players, Aviation experts and Professionals from all works of life who engaged in Panel sessions, roundtable discussions, and networking engagements and exhibitions. Governors and their representatives from Imo, Borno, Ogun, and Plateau State, during their goodwill messages acknowledged improvements in safety, infrastructure, and operational efficiency, noting that aviation remains a vital gateway for economic diversification, tourism, and regional development. The Governors urged investors local and international to explore the emerging opportunities in their states, assuring full cooperation and enabling policies for sustainable partnerships.
Leave a Reply