By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Nigeria’s aviation community converged in Abuja on Monday to celebrate 100 years of flight, honouring pioneers and emerging leaders whose contributions have shaped one of Africa’s most dynamic air-transport sectors. The event, held at the Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, brought together aviation veterans, CEOs, captains, policymakers and global partners for what officials described as “a defining moment in the nation’s aviation history.”

Speaking to journalists, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the sector’s evolution—from the early days of Okada Airline to modern carriers like Air Peace and Ibom Air—reflects decades of sacrifice, lessons and resilience.

“If you see where we are coming from and where we are now, there has been tremendous progress. We got here on the back of those who built this industry long before us,” Keyamo said. “Even today’s airlines succeed because of the experiences and mistakes of those before them. We cannot wish them away. That’s why we honour the entire ecosystem—airline founders, captains, sky caterers and everyone who kept the industry alive.”

Keyamo warned new investors against underestimating the financial demands of running an airline, noting that “the money to operate an airline is often more than the money to acquire it.” He urged operators to learn from industry veterans, calling the centenary “a milestone from which Nigeria must continue to rise.”

Addressing concerns about multiple taxation—one of the industry’s most contentious issues—Keyamo stressed that tax removal is not within the sole jurisdiction of his ministry.

“Aviation cannot wake up overnight and remove taxes. It involves the Finance Ministry, the tax authorities and the National Assembly,” he explained.
“But President Tinubu has been proactive—he excluded aviation from the 4% tax proposal even before reforms were finalized. A committee is reviewing all multiple taxes. We are getting there.”

‘Tinubu Rewriting Aviation Story’ —Officials

Permanent Secretary of Aviation and Aerospace Development praised President Bola Tinubu for repositioning the sector, crediting him with appointing Keyamo, whom he described as “one of the most important things the president has done for the aviation industry.”

Former aviation minister Osita Chidoka, in a recorded message, highlighted the liberalization introduced under former President Ibrahim Babangida, calling Nigeria “the heart of aviation in Africa.” He noted the resilience of carriers such as Okada Air, Aero Contractors, Sosoliso, Arik Air and newer entrants like Jet Air and Air Peace.

Onyema: ‘The Industry Y Was Almost Dead Before Keyamo

In one of the event’s most applauded remarks, Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema, speaking on behalf of new-generation awardees, said the sector had never enjoyed the level of support it now receives.

“Our industry was almost dead before Festus Keyamo was appointed minister,” Onyema declared. “We never had it this good. Deregulation never enjoyed this level of backing in 100 years.”

Onyema praised Tinubu for “a perfect appointment,” saying the President will one day look back and celebrate choosing Keyamo to lead aviation reforms.

He also revealed how ticket prices to London have dropped drastically as a result of improved industry confidence:

“Nigerians used to pay ₦16 million to fly to London. Today, Air Peace has brought it down to about ₦4 million because the industry is finally working.”

Onyema expressed confidence that the National Assembly and President Tinubu would consider airlines’ appeals before new tax policies take effect in January 2026.

More than 40 recipients were honoured across the older and newer generations of aviation professionals.

Veteran awardees included:

Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion of Okada Air

Captain Idris Wada of EAS Airlines,
Other pioneering operators and technical experts

New-generation honorees included:

Chief Allen Onyema, Air Peace

Olumuyiwa Bernard Allu, first Black President of ICAO

And several emerging innovators across aviation services

Keyamo praised his team for delivering a successful centenary celebration, emphasizing safety, accountability and recognition of all contributors.

“They are not perfect,” he said, “but they have kept this industry alive. We honour everyone who played a part.”

Veteran awardees thanked the government for recognising their lifelong contributions, saying the honour “belongs to the entire aviation industry.”

The Aviation Centenary Celebration continues through Tuesday and Wednesday with an international airshow, marking a historic week for the nation’s aviation sector—one officials believe symbolizes a century of flight, excellence and renewed ambition.