Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has issued a public apology following what was widely described as a subpar inaugural edition of the Nigeria International Airshow. The event took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on 2 December 2025.
A Humble Beginning with a Global Ambition
Addressing attendees at the historic airshow, Minister Keyamo acknowledged the event's shortcomings but framed it as a necessary first step. He emphasised that perfection was not expected in this initial attempt, describing the effort as "taking baby steps, but we are taking them with courage, conviction, and clarity of purpose."
Keyamo positioned the airshow as a bold statement of intent, declaring Nigeria's readiness to lead and innovate in global aviation. He projected a future where the Nigeria International Airshow would stand alongside established giants like the events in Paris, Dubai, Farnborough, and Singapore.
Call for Patience and Collaboration
The minister directly appealed for public patience and a collaborative spirit to nurture the event. "As we take this bold first step, I ask that we remain patient, collaborative, and ambitious," he stated. Keyamo assured stakeholders that each subsequent edition would see refinements, expansion, and elevation, with the ultimate goal of establishing a global benchmark.
He reiterated his vision, saying, "We may be taking small steps, but they are steps towards a future where the Nigeria International Airshow becomes a global brand and a symbol of our nation’s ambition." He concluded on a hopeful note, asserting that the future of Nigerian aviation is bright.
Highlighting Broader Aviation Reforms
Beyond the airshow, Keyamo used the platform to highlight significant legal and regulatory advancements in Nigeria's aviation sector. A key achievement is the effective implementation of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) and the Aircraft Protocol, which has boosted Nigeria's compliance index and enhanced its standing in aircraft financing.
A major operational milestone is the activation of the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This reform ensures a swift and transparent process for aircraft lessors and financiers to deregister and repossess aircraft in cases of default, significantly reducing financial risk.
The minister noted that these additional legal reforms have collectively:
- Boosted investor confidence.
- Reduced risk perceptions in the market.
- Expanded access to aircraft leasing and financing for Nigerian operators.
These reforms, according to Keyamo, provide a solid foundation upon which the ambition of a world-class airshow and a thriving aviation sector can be built.
