BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria’s aviation sector could see deeper investment, skills development and stronger international connectivity following Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo’s strategic visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the invitation of the UAE government and Etihad Airways.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, is coming ahead of Etihad’s planned resumption of daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos from March 18, 2027.
Etihad announced the Lagos route as part of its expansion into Africa, with six new African routes planned as the airline seeks to strengthen connections between the continent and major markets across the world.
Keyamo, who was received at Etihad Airways Group headquarters by senior executives led by Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical and International Government Affairs, held discussions with the airline on the final administrative arrangements for the Lagos service.
The meeting also focused on building a wider partnership between Nigeria and Etihad beyond the new flight route.
The minister’s visit is significant because the planned Abu Dhabi-Lagos service is expected to provide more than passenger connectivity.
It could also improve trade, tourism, investment and cargo movement between Nigeria, the UAE and other international markets.
Etihad has identified cargo connectivity as an important part of its African expansion, with sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and infrastructure expected to benefit from improved links to global markets.
During the visit, Keyamo toured Etihad Aviation Training, where he inspected the airline’s aviation training facilities and discussed possible areas of cooperation with Nigerian aviation institutions.
The training centre operates 11 full-flight simulators covering Airbus and Boeing aircraft and provides training for pilots, cabin crew and airport personnel.
The minister’s visit to the facility opened discussions around possible cooperation in pilot and cabin-crew training, curriculum development and broader human-capital development.
For Nigeria, such cooperation could help reduce the skills gap in the aviation industry while giving local aviation professionals access to modern training systems and international standards.
Keyamo also toured Zayed International Airport, where he examined its operations, passenger facilities, technology and integrated airport infrastructure.
The tour provided an opportunity for Nigerian officials to study practices that could be useful as the Federal Government continues efforts to improve airport efficiency, digital services, passenger experience and infrastructure across the country.
The government is increasingly positioning aviation as more than a means of moving passengers and aircraft, but as a tool for attracting investment, supporting businesses and creating jobs.
The proposed partnership with Etihad could therefore extend into areas such as aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, engineering, cargo and logistics, airport development, technology, airline partnerships and tourism.
It could also create opportunities for private-sector investors to participate in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Keyamo stressed the need for Etihad’s return to the Nigerian market to serve as the beginning of a broader and lasting relationship between the airline and Nigeria.
The minister said the objective was to ensure that the new connection delivers value beyond air travel by supporting investment, skills, technology transfer and economic growth.
The return of Etihad to the Lagos market is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s links with Abu Dhabi and provide passengers travelling to destinations across Asia, the Middle East and other parts of the world with another international travel option.
For businesses, stronger air links could make it easier to move people, goods and high-value cargo between Nigeria and international markets.
The Federal Government believes that improved aviation connectivity can help position Lagos as a stronger gateway to West and Central Africa, particularly as global airlines expand their networks into the continent.
The planned daily service is therefore being viewed as part of a wider effort to deepen Nigeria’s economic relationship with the UAE and attract more international capital into the country.
The UAE is an important business and investment hub, while Abu Dhabi serves as a major gateway to the Middle East and other global markets.
With Etihad’s growing network, Nigerian businesses could gain improved access to markets beyond the UAE, while international investors could have easier access to Nigeria.
The government said the engagement demonstrates its commitment to building an aviation industry that is better connected, technically stronger and more attractive to investors.
As Etihad prepares to restart daily Abu Dhabi-Lagos operations in March 2027, the Federal Government is seeking to use the new route as a platform for deeper cooperation in aviation, trade, tourism, training, technology and investment between Nigeria and the UAE.
The development could mark a new phase in Nigeria’s relationship with Etihad, with the focus shifting from simply restoring air connectivity to using aviation as a driver of wider economic cooperation.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
