BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria’s aviation sector recorded another major confidence boost this week as the Secretary-General of Airports Council International (ACI-Africa), Mr. Ali Tounsi, paid a working visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to assess the country’s preparedness for the ACI-Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition billed for October 2026.
Tounsi, who is in Nigeria on a scheduled evaluation mission, said he was impressed with the level of national commitment so far, describing the 2026 event as “a strategic platform for Africa’s aviation community to exchange ideas and drive sustainable growth.”
He noted that Nigeria’s early preparations signal strong readiness to host one of the continent’s most influential aviation gatherings.
The Secretary-General met with the Minister in Abuja in the company of a high-level FAAN delegation led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
Senior officials including the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire; the Director of Commercial & Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade; and members of the Local Organising Committee also joined the review session, which focused on logistics coordination, infrastructure preparedness and institutional support for the event.
For FAAN, the visit served as an endorsement of its ongoing reforms and operational upgrades.
Under Mrs. Kuku’s leadership, the Authority has intensified infrastructure modernisation, improved stakeholder engagement and strengthened adherence to international best practices—initiatives that continue to enhance its global standing.
Minister Keyamo reiterated the administration’s full backing for the 2026 conference, stressing that hosting the event aligns with the government’s broader aviation development agenda.
“This conference supports our vision to deepen industry reforms, boost connectivity and attract foreign investment,” he stated.
Mrs. Kuku assured Mr. Tounsi that FAAN remains “fully committed to delivering a world-class conference,” noting that preparations are advancing with clear milestones and effective collaboration across agencies.
The meeting ended on a highly optimistic tone, with both parties affirming their resolve to make the 2026 ACI-Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition one of the most memorable editions yet, an event that will showcase Nigeria’s aviation excellence and highlight FAAN’s transformation as a rising force in global airport management.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
