BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Industry leaders in Nigeria’s aviation sector are set to converge at Golfview Hotels & Suites, Ikeja, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, for the first-quarter Business Breakfast Meeting (BBM) of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), focusing on strategies to strengthen the sector’s contribution to national GDP.
Under the theme, “Boosting Aviation Sector Contribution to GDP: The Importance of an Aviation Hub,” the meeting will explore how achieving hub status can unlock economic growth, generate business opportunities, and enhance Nigeria’s global aviation competitiveness.
This was disclosed in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Albinus Chiedu.
Delivering the lead paper, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director and CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said, “Aviation is a strategic driver for economic expansion. Developing a hub will create multiplier effects across allied industries and elevate Nigeria’s position in global air transport.”
The event will feature two panel sessions with key industry players. The first panel includes Mr. George Uriesi, CEO of Ibom Air Limited; Dr. Wale Babalakin, Chairman of Bicourtney Aviation Services Limited; Captain Ado Sanusi, MD of Aero; and Mr. Djamel Muradov of Air France/KLM, who will discuss operational excellence and international collaboration.
The second panel will spotlight allied businesses and support services with participants such as Dr. Thomas Ogungbagbe, CEO of CITA Aviation Fuelling; Dr. Segun Musa, GMD of Widescope International Group; Motayo Williams, Director of Nigerbird Engineering Limited; Mr. Damilola Ogunseye, Chairman of International Airlines Operators Committee; Dr. Seinde Fademi, Chairman of NAHCO Plc and LSG Skychef; and Managing Directors of AVSATEL Communications and Dominion Air.
Since its inception in 2015, the BBM has served as a platform for impactful discussions on airport development, airline management, air safety, infrastructure, financing, corporate governance, and passenger services.
Through advocacy and knowledge sharing, ASRTI has driven industry improvements and strengthened collaboration across aviation stakeholders.
ASRTI, Nigeria’s leading not-for-profit body of aviation veterans, aims to advance safety, efficiency, and economic growth in the sector by promoting global best practices. Membership is open to individuals and organizations aligned with these objectives.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
