By Editor
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has reaffirmed the critical role of the aviation sector in Nigeria’s post-reform economic growth.
Speaking at the Eurocham Nigeria 2025 Annual Stakeholders Conference in Lagos, the Minister who was represented by his Special Adviser on Service Delivery, Janet Oputa emphasized that aviation is not just a means of transportation but a key driver of economic development, regional integration, and global competitiveness.
According to a press statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood on Friday, the Minister highlighted the strides made under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in positioning the aviation sector as a pillar of economic transformation.
He noted that since assuming office, the Federal Government has embarked on bold reforms across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and trade. In line with these efforts, the aviation sector has undergone significant improvements, guided by the Minister’s Five-Point Agenda, which focuses on: enhancing safety standards and compliance, upgrading critical aviation infrastructure, empowering local operators and businesses, investing in human capital development and generating sustainable revenue for long-term growth.
He also outlined major achievements in the sector, including the improvements of the Cape Town Convention Compliance with Nigeria’s compliance index risen from 49.5% to 75.5%, simplifying aircraft leasing and financing for Nigerian airlines. The launch of a new consumer protection portal under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has strengthened passenger rights and accountability.
According to the Minister, strengthening global partnerships have unlocked new routes for Nigerian airlines, enhancing international connectivity while key investments in the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, including the construction of Abuja’s second runway, have improved service delivery. The concessioning of five major airports has attracted significant private investments for terminal upgrades, apron expansions, and runway enhancements.
Parts of the achievements, according to the Minister, is the private-sector collaborations, which have established world-class MRO facilities, these will reduce reliance on foreign services and creating jobs and also the proliferation of private airstrips has spurred regional connectivity and economic expansion.
Addressing the European business community, Keyamo highlighted investment opportunities in:
Airport Infrastructure Development; the design and construction of new terminals and heliports
technology and sustainability: Green energy solutions, such as solar-powered airports,
specialized services; hangar services, ground handling, and ICT-driven security solutions and Abuja second runway project, a landmark infrastructure project seeking international expertise.
Keyamo assured investors of Nigeria’s commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment with transparent regulations, attractive incentives, and a skilled workforce.
He called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and its European partners, stating, “By joining forces with our European partners, we can harness innovation and expertise to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s aviation sector. Together, we can create a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive industry that drives economic growth and uplifts millio
