The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged the administration’s support for the forthcoming Nigeria International Airshow.
The assurance came during a meeting in Abuja yesterday between Wike and the minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who was at the FCTA to formally present plans for the event scheduled for December 2 – 4, 2025.
In his presentation, Keyamo described the airshow as a major global event to mark 100 years of aviation in Nigeria.
“From the first aircraft landing in Nigeria in 1925 till now, this year marks 100 years of aviation in Nigeria.
“As part of that centenary celebration, we are partnering with a private company to drive this initiative, which is massively supported by the Nigerian Air Force,” he said.
He highlighted that the event would attract international aviation companies and “major aviation powerhouses from around the world.”
Keyamo laid out a comprehensive list of requests for the FCT’s support, including official endorsement, the use of billboards and FCT-owned media for publicity, logistics support such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and branded train services, and enhanced security and sanitation around the airport venue.
The minister also hinted at a financial request from his team, noting, “My colleagues also mentioned they might need some financial support.
That part, however, is discretionary.”
In his response, Wike welcomed the initiative and approved most logistical and publicity requests, directing his officials to liaise with the Aviation Ministry.
“Let me say that the FCTA will be interested in partnering with you and I will give an official opening speech that day to endorse this show, which is a very major show in Abuja.
“We will also want your various departments to liaise with the Transport Secretariat for the train support and the CNG buses.
“We will also approve for you to use the billboards, but something has to be done. Everything cannot be free, free, free. That is the problem Nigeria has. You want to advertise to the entire world but you don’t want to pay,” Wike said.
The minster while addressing the direct funding request, said, “I will not give you N1. You are already asking for support in this, support in that. So that is not to be discussed at all.
“You can see what we have done for you. Look at the airport road down to your gate, where you are collecting the toll; we did that road.”
Despite the firm refusal on funding, Wike assured his counterpart of the FCT’s commitment to ensuring the event’s success.
“So let me welcome you to the FCT and assure you that we’ll do everything possible to see that it’s a huge success,” he concluded.
The meeting ended with directives for various FCT secretariats and departments to commence work with the Aviation Ministry’s team to actualise the outlined support.
