BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on investors and development partners to seize opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation sector, describing it as “a catalyst for growth and a magnet for capital.”
Delivering the welcoming address at the 2025 Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference (FNAC) at Eko Hotel, Lagos, Keyamo emphasized that the conference theme, “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry Through Investment, Partnership and Global Engagements,” reflects Nigeria’s renewed commitment to transforming its aviation landscape.
“This is a call to action and a call to partnership. The narrative of Nigerian aviation has fundamentally changed. We have shifted from problem-spotting to solution-building. The foundation is solid, the opportunities are clear, and the enabling environment is strengthening every day”, he said.
Keyamo highlighted several strategic investment opportunities for the private sector under FAAN’s guidance. On airport modernisation, he said:
“Leveraging renewed Hope funding, we are modernizing terminals, rehabilitating runways, expanding aprons, and developing new cargo complexes. Some of these projects can be delivered transparently under PPP frameworks that guarantee viability and investor returns.”
He also outlined plans for a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub, noting that Africa loses billions yearly to offshore maintenance.
“FAAN is positioned to facilitate a regional MRO centre in Nigeria to serve West and Central Africa, reducing costs, retaining capital, and creating high-skill jobs,” the minister explained.
Aviation leasing companies, cargo and logistics hubs were also highlighted as priority areas.
“With Nigeria’s significantly improved legal framework for aviation financing, the environment is primed for indigenous leasing firms. Our dedicated cargo and logistics hubs at key FAAN airports will unlock agro-exports, reduce spoilage, and integrate Nigerian producers into global value chains,” Keyamo said.
The minister lauded FAAN for organizing the event, describing it as “exemplary” and reflective of the agency’s ambition and renewed purpose.
He urged participants to engage fully with the proposals and business cases presented at the conference.
“Throughout this conference, FAAN will present data, timelines, and structured business cases for your review. We invite you to work with FAAN to build the aviation system our continent deserves,” Keyamo added.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, joined heads of agencies, captains of industry, investors, and other stakeholders to deliberate on partnerships and investment strategies to drive Nigeria’s aviation sector forward.
Keyamo noted that with a message of optimism: “Once again, I warmly welcome you all, and I am confident that the conversations we begin here today will ignite the momentum needed to propel the ongoing transformation of our aviation ecosystem to new heights. Together, we are shaping the future, and the future begins now.”
FNAC 2025, he said, emerges as a critical platform for aligning government policy, private investment, and global engagement to elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry to world-class standards.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
