The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has identified the Ministry of Interior as a critical stakeholder in the upcoming Nigeria International Air Show, scheduled to take place in December 2025.
This was revealed by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Interior in Abuja. Kana said internal consultations within the Aviation Ministry concluded that successfully hosting the international event would require strategic inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly with the ministry, due to its oversight of border security, immigration, and national safety.
He stressed that the seamless entry and protection of participants, especially international guests and exhibitors, would be vital to the event’s success. Accordingly, agencies under the Ministry of Interior, such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), will play vital roles in visa facilitation, on-ground security, and traffic control during the event.
Kana further disclosed that after reviewing Lagos, Abuja and Uyo as possible venues, the Federal Capital Territory was selected for its strategic location, accessibility and robust infrastructure. He added that President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend the event and that civil aviation authorities from around the world will be invited to participate. The Nigerian Air Force and air traffic controllers are also slated to be fully engaged in the show’s technical operations.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to hosting a world-class air show that will elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry, attract international investors, and boost the country’s image as a hub for aerospace development.
In her response, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalena Ajani who received the ministry’s delegation on behalf of the minister, expressed support for the initiative. She pledged the ministry’s cooperation and said that the online visa application portal would be optimized for ease of access by international visitors. She also called for clear role definitions for all agencies under the interior ministry to ensure efficient coordination.
Also speaking, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap emphasised the importance of receiving projected figures of expected attendees to streamline visa processing and reduce reliance on individual online applications. She assured the service’s full participation in the programme.
Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Oladele Yusuf, representing the Nigerian Air Force, confirmed that the Air Force is already working through a technical sub-committee reporting to the main planning body to address emerging logistics and security issues.
Director of aerodrome and airspace standards at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Engr. Godwin Balang said the authority is fully prepared to provide the necessary regulatory guidance and authorizations to ensure the successful hosting of the show.
