By: Goodluck E. Adubaz.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for what he described as bold, strategic, and transformative reforms currently reshaping Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The commendation came on Monday as the President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, officially declared open the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

Tinubu also applauded the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for sustaining the conference as a credible platform for innovation, investment dialogue, and sector-wide policy engagement, assuring industry players of his administration’s continued support.

In his welcome address, delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Minister restated the Federal Government’s commitment to strategic investment, global partnerships, and sustained sectoral reforms aimed at positioning Nigeria as Africa’s aviation hub.

Kana noted that the theme of this year’s conference—“Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry Through Investment, Partnership and Global Engagements” captures the government’s renewed ambition to make aviation a major driver of economic growth and foreign investment.

He described Nigeria as a “strategic, fast-growing aviation market” that continues to attract strong interest from global investors.

Keyamo outlined several investment-ready projects FAAN is rolling out under transparent Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks. These include:

Airport Infrastructure Modernization: Upgrading terminals, rehabilitating runways, expanding aprons, and building new cargo complexes.

World-Class MRO Hub: Establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul centre to serve West and Central Africa, reduce capital flight, and create technical jobs.

Support for Aviation Leasing Companies: Creating frameworks to boost aircraft leasing and fleet expansion.

Cargo & Logistics Expansion: Developing cargo hubs at major airports to unlock export opportunities in agriculture and manufacturing.

He emphasized that these are not mere proposals but actionable projects with timelines, data, and structured business cases ready for investors.

FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said FNAC has evolved into Nigeria’s foremost aviation business platform, drawing global experts, investors, and operators. She said this year’s conference features exhibitions, panel sessions, roundtables, and high-level networking events designed to:

attract foreign direct investment, boost non-aeronautical revenues, support local airlines,

Kuku thanked President Tinubu for the “sweeping aviation reforms” under his Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that airport operations, passenger experience, and international confidence have significantly improved.

Governors and representatives from Imo, Borno, Ogun, and Plateau States delivered goodwill messages, commending the Federal Government for improved aviation safety, infrastructure, and operational efficiency. They urged investors—local and foreign—to explore the emerging opportunities in their states, pledging full cooperation and enabling policies for sustainable partnerships.

Keyamo also called on stakeholders to support preparations for the Nigeria International Airshow (NIA) 2025, billed to further position the country as a major aviation hub in Africa.

The two-day conference brought together aviation professionals, industry leaders, investors, regulators, and development partners who engaged in thematic discussions on aviation innovation, finance, infrastructure, and global competitiveness.