BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria’s capital, Abuja is preparing to welcome the world’s foremost aeronautical information professionals as it hosts the prestigious International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Associations (IFAIMA) World Conference, scheduled to take place from May 27 to 29, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
With an expected turnout of 250 to 270 delegates from around the globe, the conference will spotlight the latest innovations and challenges in Aeronautical Information Management (AIM).
Themed “Innovating for the Future of Aeronautical Information Management,” the event aims to promote safe, orderly, and efficient air traffic flow through technological advancement and global collaboration.
Kabir Yahaya Gusau, Chairman of the Abuja 2025 Local Organising Committee, emphasized the significance of the conference in strengthening coordination between stakeholders and IFAIMA.
“The conference will not only showcase innovations but will also serve as a platform for collaboration to better meet the demands of modern aeronautical information management,” he said.
Gusau expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, for their unwavering support.
He also acknowledged key aviation agencies such as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Immigration Service for their critical roles in the planning process.
“The Nigerian Immigration Service has made it seamless for international participants to obtain visas, and we’ve ensured transportation logistics are in place from Lagos and Abuja airports to the conference venue,” Gusau explained.
He further noted that the gathering will focus on transitioning from the traditional Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) to a more dynamic AIM system, addressing gaps and building capacity for future demands. “This conference isn’t just an aviation event; it is a national milestone.
As a Nigerian, I feel a deep sense of pride,” he added, encouraging Nigerians to engage fully with international delegates to exchange ideas and build lasting partnerships.
The event will feature expert-led presentations, technical discussions, and networking opportunities for professionals to share experiences and best practices in AIM.
Meanwhile, IFAIMA President, Ms. Funmi Adeyemi, affirmed that Nigeria is fully prepared to host the global aviation community.
Speaking in Lagos, Adeyemi described the 2025 edition as historic, being the first time the IFAIMA World Conference will be held in the Western and Central African (WACAF) region.
“All hands are on deck to ensure the conference is a resounding success,” Adeyemi said, applauding the support from Minister Festus Keyamo and heads of aviation agencies.
She commended NAMA for its leadership in securing Quality Management System (QMS) and AIS certifications in 2024, which she described as “a major step in the transition from AIS to AIM.”
Highlighting the urgency of digital transformation in aviation, Adeyemi stressed that reliance on paper manuals is outdated.
“In today’s digital era, countries are moving towards System Wide Information Management (SWIM), and Nigeria must fast-track its AIM implementation to stay competitive,” she said.
On recent partnerships, she noted that the MoUs signed by IFAIMA with key stakeholders are part of a broader strategy to foster global collaboration and reinforce aviation safety.
“These agreements reflect our shared vision for innovation, integration, and improved service delivery in the aviation ecosystem.”
