The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, has announced that Nigeria will host its first international airshow and exhibition in April 2025 in Lagos.
The event is a milestone for Nigeria, showcasing advancements in aviation technology, safety and innovation.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Keyamo emphasised that the airshow would position Nigeria as an aviation hub for Africa and a significant transit point for global air traffic.
The minister explained that the airshow would highlight Nigeria’s potential to lead in African aviation and invite the global community to witness the country’s capabilities in this sector.
Keyamo noted that the event would not only spotlight Nigeria’s achievements in aviation but also attract stakeholders from around the world, facilitating connections within the industry.
He pointed to a rising global compliance index, which has created more opportunities for local operators in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “We have signed the IDERA and, soon, we will hold a stakeholders’ conference to distribute gazetted copies, following the Cape Town Convention. This opens numerous opportunities for our local operators,” he explained.
According to Keyamo, two key African policies will drive the programme: the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which promotes free trade within Africa and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which envisions a unified African sky with unrestricted movement for goods and services across the continent.
“We aim to unlock Africa’s and Nigeria’s potential by leveraging these policies and hosting this airshow,” he added.
Keyamo acknowledged challenges such as infrastructure gaps but emphasised that the event would allow global aviation leaders to see Nigeria’s potential and explore collaboration opportunities to advance infrastructure. He mentioned plans for airport concessions, emphasising that unions would be involved to ensure workers’ rights are protected.
He outlined the ministry’s commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, stating, “This platform will market our efforts and attract partnerships. We’re planning it as a three-day event.”
Keyamo further highlighted that the programme would promote economic activities beyond aviation, supporting Nigeria’s broader economic goals. He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a $1 trillion economy, noting that the government’s decisions are steering the country in this direction.
The CEO of NIA Ltd., Bria Okonkwo praised the initiative, noting that aviation is a key entry point for any nation and that policies such as IDERA and the Cape Town Convention are paving the way for growth in the sector.
Okonkwo revealed that the airshow is expected to attract 150-200 attendees from various continents. Keyamo stated that planning efforts, such as assessing Lagos Airport’s infrastructure and space, are underway. He assured that the aviation sector’s development will interlink with other sectors to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
