BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has led a delegation to the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, placing the country at the forefront of discussions on airline financing, fleet modernisation, and global competitiveness.
The conference, which gathers top airline executives, global lessors, financiers, and policymakers, offers a strategic platform for Nigeria to engage international partners on access to modern aircraft, improved airline balance sheets, and sustainable growth across the aviation value chain.
The Nigerian delegation includes key regulators and industry leaders such as Captain Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Ahmed Tijani, Director of Air Traffic Management at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and prominent airline CEOs like Toyin Olajide (Air Peace), Dr. Obiora Okonkwo (United Nigeria Airlines) and George Ureisi (Ibom Air).
For the second consecutive year, Nigeria’s presence at the conference has drawn attention, with delegates recalling Minister Keyamo’s compelling oratory and strategic interventions during last year’s edition. This year’s participation further reinforces Nigeria’s growing influence and credibility in the global aviation financing community.
On the second day of the conference, Minister Keyamo led the delegation in a pivotal strategic meeting with Aercap, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, led by CEO Angus Kelly.
Discussions focused on building a long-term partnership aligned with Nigeria’s fleet modernisation goals, exploring innovative leasing solutions, flexible financing structures, and practical pathways for fleet renewal.
“These engagements are critical to improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety, reducing operating costs, and positioning Nigerian carriers to compete more effectively on regional and global routes,” Minister Keyamo said.
The delegation also held high-level discussions with Afreximbank, represented by Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade & Export Development, and Helen Brume, Director and Global Head of Project & Asset-Based Finance.
The meetings reinforced Nigeria’s strategic intent to deepen aviation finance partnerships and leverage Afreximbank’s role in supporting African carriers through structured financing, trade-enabling instruments, and risk-mitigation solutions.
The discussions highlighted a shared commitment to a collaborative government–industry approach, emphasizing fleet development, airline sustainability, and the creation of financing frameworks capable of unlocking long-term value for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Through these engagements, Minister Keyamo is driving proactive aviation diplomacy, ensuring Nigeria remains attractive to global lessors, financiers, and investors, while building a stronger, safer, and more competitive aviation sector.
By connecting Nigerian airlines with global financiers and leasing partners, the Minister’s efforts are expected to accelerate fleet modernisation, expand operational capacity, and improve safety and efficiency, positioning the country as a regional aviation hub and a credible player in international aviation finance.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.