BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
As Nigeria’s aviation sector grapples with numerous challenges, industry leaders are preparing for the 28th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) scheduled for July 26th.
The event aims to tackle the pressing issues facing domestic airlines and the broader aviation industry.
The conference, to be held at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, will feature key discussions led by Festus Keyamo (SAN), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Keyamo, along with top executives from government agencies, airlines, and other stakeholders, will explore strategies to navigate the sector’s current difficulties and identify pathways for sustainable growth.
Keyamo emphasised the importance of the conference, stating, “The challenges we face are not insurmountable. The LAAC conference offers a prime opportunity for us to address these issues comprehensively and collaboratively. We need to come together with open minds to discuss how we can enhance the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP and create more job opportunities.”
Mr. Albinus Chiedu, Secretary of the LAAC Conference Planning Committee, confirmed that Keyamo will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, CEO of CITA Group, will chair the proceedings.
The conference theme, “Aviation Survivability Amidst a Challenging Macro-Economic Environment,” is particularly relevant given the current economic constraints.
Issues such as forex shortages, currency devaluation, rising fuel costs, and inadequate infrastructure will be at the forefront of discussions.
Engineer Umar Farouk, Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), will deliver the keynote address.
Papers will also be presented by Capt. Samuel Caulcrick, former Rector of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and Dr. Alex Nwuba, Second Vice President of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI).
A panel discussion, moderated by Captain Hamisu Yadudu, former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), will feature key figures such as Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/CEO of FAAN; and Dr. Wale Babalakin, Chairman of Bicourtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).
Other notable panelists include Mr. Adejoju Olutimayin, Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), and Mr. Olaniyi Adigun, Chairman of the Association of Ground Handlers of Nigeria (AGHAN).
The LAAC Conference promises to be a pivotal event, offering industry professionals an invaluable platform to address critical issues and drive positive change in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
With high interest and an impressive lineup of speakers, the conference is expected to chart a progressive path for the future of Nigerian aviation.
LAAC continues to play a crucial role in advancing the aviation industry in Nigeria through insightful discussions and policy recommendations, making this year’s conference a key event for stakeholders in the sector.
