The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the Federal Government is set to strengthen existing policies and introduce new frameworks aimed at boosting growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Keyamo made the remarks on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the maiden Nigeria International Airshow, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He stated that the government would intensify efforts to align regulatory standards with international benchmarks while investing in critical infrastructure upgrades across major airports.
According to the minister, priority will be placed on enhancing safety and security protocols to ensure a more reliable and competitive aviation environment. He added that the government remains committed to developing world-class aviation facilities, including improvements in aircraft maintenance, technical training and operational capability.
Keyamo noted that the airshow reflects President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision of a safe, secure and globally competitive aviation industry capable of stimulating economic growth, boosting tourism and strengthening national security. He recalled that the Nigerian Air Force opened the event with an impressive aerial display using ceremonial aircraft, underscoring the country’s expanding aerospace potential.
“The Nigeria International Airshow serves as more than an exhibition — it is a forward-looking declaration of national ambition,” he said. “It brings together international manufacturers, innovators, regulators, airlines, investors and aviation enthusiasts to explore opportunities, share knowledge and demonstrate cutting-edge technologies.”
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Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Francis Odita, Director of Special Duties at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), described the outcome of the airshow as a significant step forward for the sector. He said hosting the Nigeria International Airshow 2025 would provide an opportunity for the country to attract investment, showcase its aviation capabilities and foster national pride.
Odita noted that the event created both temporary and potential long-term jobs across aviation, hospitality and related industries, while also promoting tourism.
He further explained that the NSIB, empowered by the 2022 Act, now conducts impartial investigations across air, rail, maritime and road transport. The agency, he said, works with national and international partners to determine the root causes of accidents and issue recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.
