Nigeria to host international air show amid airport concession plans

The federal government has unveiled plans to host the first Nigeria International Air Show in April 2025 in Lagos, with the aim of attracting investors to the aviation industry.

The development comes amidst plans by the government to concession five major international airports and the urgent need to rebrand the image of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja during a press briefing, said plans to host the renowned international air show in Nigeria began last year. Efforts are being made to ensure a seamless air show.

He maintained that the three-day air show will bring together all stakeholders in the aviation industry, creating an avenue to exchange ideas and display modern innovations in the sector.

According to the Minister, the air show will position Nigeria as the next big destination in the African aviation industry. He said Nigeria has made significant strides, which have increased the country’s global rating and opened opportunities for local operators in international markets.

He said, “We want to capitalize on this by following it up with an air show and invite the world to come to Nigeria to see our potential, to host the world.”

Keyamo stated that the federal government is partnering with Nigeria Airshow International Limited, aiming to promote the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), as well as unlock potential by leveraging these two key African policies.

He explained that the aim is to showcase Nigeria’s aviation potential to the world and encourage investors to collaborate and help improve infrastructure in the industry.

Speaking on the need to concession the major international airports, the Minister assured that aviation unions will be involved in the process to protect jobs and ensure no job losses, adding that those coming for the concession must also be prepared to assume responsibilities, including workforce liabilities.

He said that the show is an opportunity to showcase the airport and other potential, saying, “We are marketing our efforts for people to come and collaborate with us. So it will be a powerful platform to advance these efforts.”

Keyamo stated that the air show is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to developing a N1 trillion economy, saying that although current challenges exist, the economy will gradually stabilize.

The Chief Executive Officer of International Airshow Nigeria Ltd., Mrs Byan Okwonkwo, mentioned that about 150 aviation companies from around the world are expected at the show, including Boeing, Airbus, and Bombardier, among others.