BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is currently in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, on a working visit where he is participating as a special guest at the 8th Africa-Ireland Trade Horizon Conference, a premier forum fostering bilateral ties and dynamic trade partnerships between Africa and Ireland.
This was disclosed by his Spokesman, Tunde Moshood in a statement on Tuesday.
In his scheduled keynote at the event, the Minister would reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to deepening global partnerships in aviation, infrastructure, and technical education, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister, accompanied by Mrs. Ibiyemi Ajiboye-Roberts, Charge D’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Ireland, paid a technical visit to Newcastle Aerodrome Aviation School in Wicklow County.
The delegation was welcomed by the CEO of the aviation institution, Mr. John Nugent.
The Minister toured the school’s modern facilities, which include a fleet of Viper SD4 trainer aircraft, state-of-the-art flight simulation laboratories, classrooms, and maintenance hangars.
Discussions with the management team focused on forging a strategic partnership with Nigeria’s College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.
Key areas of collaboration explored during the visit include: Development of globally benchmarked aviation training curricula; Launch of joint pilot licensing programmes between Ireland and Nigeria; Advanced training in aircraft engineering and air traffic control; Capacity building to meet Nigeria’s rising demand for skilled aviation professionals.
Speaking during the visit, the Minister commended Newcastle Aerodrome’s achievements in aviation training and expressed optimism about future collaboration:
“We are open to partnerships that will enhance Nigeria’s aviation capabilities and contribute to building a stronger aviation value chain. This is an exciting opportunity to share expertise and drive innovation that benefits both countries.”
The tour and discussions further demonstrate the Ministry’s determination to position Nigeria as a regional leader in aviation excellence through innovation, international cooperation, and skills development.
