BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria is making aviation a major focus for economic growth, as the Federal Government announced new reforms and infrastructure plans at the 15th Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards and Ministerial Dinner in Lagos.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, said the sector is entering a “rebirth” stage, driven by fresh investments, clearer policies, and growing confidence within the industry.
Addressing a gathering of top officials, regulators, airline operators and service providers, Kambari described the NIGAV platform as a critical driver of standards and accountability, crediting it with promoting best practices and strengthening unity across the aviation value chain.
“This forum has become a vital instrument for rewarding excellence, encouraging healthy competition and projecting Nigeria’s aviation industry in a positive light,” he said.
The theme of this year’s awards, “Aviation Industry Rebirth,” reflected what the Permanent Secretary called a turning point for the sector, with visible gains already emerging from targeted reforms.
He highlighted key developments, including progress in aircraft leasing frameworks designed to ease access to fleets for domestic airlines, as well as the long-awaited upgrade of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, one of the country’s busiest gateways.
Other improvements include enhanced intermodal connectivity linking airports to road and rail networks, alongside gradual expansion in airline routes and fleet capacity.
“These are clear indicators that our policies are working and that the sector is on a steady path to recovery and growth,” Kambari said.
He emphasised aviation’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s broader economic ambitions, describing it as a fast-growing sector with the capacity to unlock trade, drive investment and connect the country more effectively to global markets.
“Aviation is not just about transportation; it is a catalyst for national development, social inclusion and regional integration,” he noted.
Kambari also tied the sector’s growth to Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that efficient air connectivity would be crucial for the country to compete and lead in intra-African commerce.
Backing that vision, he said, is a deliberate government strategy focused on heavy infrastructure investment and the promotion of public-private partnerships to build a safer and more efficient aviation ecosystem.
He credited the policy direction of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo with providing the clarity and momentum needed to drive reforms, noting that the ministry remains fully committed to sustaining the agenda.
“The roadmap we inherited is clear, and the results of disciplined implementation are already visible across the industry,” he said.
Despite the progress, the Permanent Secretary stressed that sustaining momentum will require collective responsibility, urging stakeholders to deepen collaboration in pursuit of higher safety standards and operational efficiency.
He expressed optimism that by the end of 2026, the sector would outperform expectations, delivering what he described as “astronomical growth” if current efforts are sustained.
The awards ceremony itself reflected the industry’s diversity and scale, with over 60 individuals and organisations honoured across multiple categories spanning airlines, airports and allied services.
A highlight of the evening was the “King and Queen of the Air” cabin crew competition, which Kambari praised as an innovative initiative that promotes service excellence and fosters unity among airlines.
He also commended the programme’s corporate social responsibility dimension, noting its role in strengthening social cohesion within the industry.
“Excellence at every level, from leadership to frontline personnel, is what drives sustainable growth in aviation,” he said.
As he formally declared the event open, Kambari congratulated industry players for their contributions to a successful aviation year, reinforcing the government’s message that the sector is being repositioned for long-term resilience and global competitiveness.
With reforms gaining traction and investments accelerating, Nigeria’s aviation industry appears poised not just for recovery, but for a sustained takeoff into a new era of growth.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
