Nigeria Airshow Achieved Transformative Milestone — Keyamo

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described the Nigeria International Airshow, held between December 2 and 4, as a transformative milestone that has changed the trajectory of the Nigerian aviation sector.

The minister, who stated this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Tunde Moshood, said that for the first time, Nigeria, West Africa’s aviation hub and the gateway to Africa’s largest economy, is joining the global community of nations that host world-class airshows.

“For decades, the question has been asked: When will Nigeria take its rightful place on the global aviation showcase circuit? Today, with this inaugural Airshow, we provide a clear and confident answer.”

Keyamo noted this as Nigeria’s first attempt. “It will not be perfect. We are taking baby steps, but we are taking them with courage, conviction, and clarity of purpose. As with every great beginning, we will learn from this experience, we will improve, and we will build upon it until the Nigeria International Airshow becomes a permanent fixture on the global aviation calendar—standing shoulder to shoulder with Paris, Dubai, Farnborough, and Singapore.”

Meanwhile, the representative of President Bola Tinubu at the airshow and Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator George Akume, praised the minister for his foresight, leadership, and impressive track record in repositioning the aviation sector under the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Akume reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to developing world-class aviation infrastructure and capabilities, highlighting significant strides in aircraft maintenance and training.

“We have signed agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University to establish state-of-the-art MRO facilities, reducing the $200 million annual capital flight for overseas maintenance. Aero Contractors and XEJet are already driving this transformation with new hubs in Lagos and Abuja,” he said.

The SGF added that the airshow aligns with President Tinubu’s broader vision of a safe, secure, and globally competitive aviation industry capable of stimulating economic growth, boosting tourism, advancing national security, and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s aviation nerve centre.

It is worth recalling that the Nigerian Air Force set the tone with a captivating aerial demonstration, featuring select ceremonial aircraft, which showcased Nigeria’s growing aerospace capabilities.

It also serves as more than an exhibition but a forward-looking declaration of national ambition by bringing together international manufacturers, innovators, regulators, airlines, investors, and aviation enthusiasts to explore opportunities, share knowledge, and showcase cutting-edge technologies.