Tinubu, Top Officials Celebrate Aviation Minister As Nigeria Launches First International Airshow

Nigeria on Tuesday marked a major milestone in its aviation history with the opening of the country’s first-ever International Airshow in Abuja, a landmark event detailed in a statement signed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s representative, federal ministers, state governors, industry leaders, global manufacturers, and key stakeholders joined to honour the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who championed the historic initiative.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented President Tinubu and led the delegation of dignitaries at the opening ceremony. Also in attendance were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—represented by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure—Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and former APC National Chairman and current FAAN Board Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Chief executives of aviation agencies were also present, including the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku; Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jr.; Rector of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Dr. Mustapha Sheikh; and Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Charles Anosike.

According to the statement by Moshood, the airshow attracted prominent international players such as COMAC, Shenzhen Technology, and a broad spectrum of global manufacturers, innovators, and investors. The Nigerian Air Force opened the event with a captivating aerial demonstration, underscoring the nation’s growing defence and aviation capacity.

In his address, Keyamo said hosting the maiden airshow represented a bold move toward positioning Nigeria on the global aviation stage.

“This is our first attempt. It will not be perfect,” he said. “We are taking baby steps, but we are taking them with courage, conviction, and clarity of purpose… until the Nigeria International Airshow becomes a permanent fixture on the global aviation calendar—standing shoulder to shoulder with Paris, Dubai, Farnborough, and Singapore.”

He described the event as a “transformative milestone,” noting that Nigeria, West Africa’s aviation hub, had finally joined the league of nations hosting world-class airshows.

Sen. Akume, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, applauded Keyamo for his foresight and leadership in repositioning the sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He highlighted federal efforts to build world-class aviation infrastructure and capabilities, including significant strides in aircraft maintenance and training.

“We have signed agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University to establish state-of-the-art MRO facilities, reducing the $200 million annual capital flight for overseas maintenance,” he said, adding that Aero Contractors and XEJet were already driving change with new maintenance hubs in Lagos and Abuja.

Akume said the airshow aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of a safe, competitive, and globally recognised aviation sector that will stimulate economic growth, enhance tourism, strengthen national security, and affirm Nigeria as Africa’s aviation nerve centre.

Moshood’s statement noted that the Nigeria International Airshow serves not only as an exhibition but also as a declaration of national ambition, bringing together manufacturers, regulators, airlines, investors, and technology innovators to explore opportunities and showcase advanced aerospace systems.

Keyamo emphasised the airshow’s role in inspiring young Nigerians to pursue future-focused careers in aviation and aerospace.

“It may not be perfect, but it is our beginning,” he said. “We may be taking small steps, but they are steps toward greatness.”

He further commended the organising committee, aviation agencies, partners, and stakeholders for delivering the historic event.