BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria is set to celebrate a historic milestone as the country marks 100 years of civil aviation, tracing its journey back to November 1, 1925, when the first aircraft ever landed on Nigerian soil in Maiduguri en route to Kano.
The centenary is being championed by the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development.
The historic flight that marked the beginning of aviation in Nigeria was made by three British Royal Air Force De Havilland DH.9A planes commanded by Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham.
The aircraft flew in from Helwan, Egypt, with stopovers in Sudan and Chad before touching down in Maiduguri and continuing to Kano, laying the foundation for a century of aviation in Nigeria.
Commenting on the planned event, the President of ASRTI, Air Commodore (rtd) Ademola Onitiju, said: “Aviation contributes a little over 4% to the overall Gross Domestic Product of any nation, and Nigeria is no exception.
“This centenary provides a unique opportunity for the civil aviation industry to reflect on its achievements, acknowledge challenges, and chart a roadmap for future growth.”
The centennial celebrations, themed: “100 Years of Aviation in Nigeria: The Gains, the Pains, and the Prospects,” will take place on December 1, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The day-long event, commencing at 9:00 a.m., will feature seminars, panel discussions, and presentations from aviation veterans, professionals, and industry experts, highlighting the evolution, challenges, and future opportunities within the sector.
The Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed that the date be dedicated to the celebration.
The event will culminate with an Honours & Awards Night recognising aviation veterans and stakeholders who have made significant contributions over the past century. The ceremony is expected to be graced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
ASRTI, Nigeria’s foremost non-profit group of aviation veterans committed to safety, security, and customer satisfaction, has actively shaped the industry over the last 22 years.
Since 2003, the group has issued over 30 communiqués and 50 press releases addressing sectoral challenges.
Following the introduction of quarterly Business Breakfast Meetings in 2015, ASRTI has released 24 additional communiqués and 23 press statements advocating improvements in areas ranging from airline management and air safety to infrastructure development, regulatory oversight, and customer service.
“Within its 22 years of active advocacy, ASRTI has participated in public hearings organized by the Federal House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Aviation, offered pro-bono advisory services to Ministers, and contributed to policy and regulatory developments.
“Our mission has always been to advance global best practices in safety, security, and operational excellence within the Nigerian aviation sector”, Onitiju disclosed.
The centenary celebration also acknowledges the role of state governments in developing aviation infrastructure over the past century.
ASRTI has reached out to states to partner in marking the milestone locally, encouraging events such as aviation career days and showcasing state-specific aviation opportunities.
Representatives from ASRTI and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development will attend these state-hosted events to lend support.
“The 100-year celebration provides a platform for introspection,” said
Onitiju. “It allows the sector to review its journey, celebrate achievements, learn from past mistakes, and explore innovative opportunities for future growth.”
ASRTI also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its pivotal role in advancing civil aviation safety and contributing to the sector’s growth.
The centenary marks a century of remarkable progress, challenges, and milestones across all aspects of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, including airline operations, airport development, aircraft maintenance, ground handling, fuel logistics, regulatory oversight, consumer protection, and allied services.
The celebration is expected to draw participation from leading industry stakeholders, aviation experts, regulators, airlines, airport operators, and international partners, making it the largest aviation-focused gathering in Nigeria this year.
Onitiju emphasised the collective significance of the event, noting, “This is a historic moment for Nigeria and the entire civil aviation community worldwide. We invite all aviation stakeholders to join ASRTI and the Federal Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development in commemorating 100 years of aviation excellence in Nigeria.”
ASRTI, popularly known as ART, continues to play a critical role in shaping the trajectory of Nigeria’s civil aviation industry. By fostering collaboration, advocating best practices, and promoting innovation, the initiative ensures that aviation in Nigeria remains safe, secure and globally competitive.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
