Keyamo Hosts Deutsche Bank Executives, Opens Investment Talks on Aviation Infrastructure

Nigeria’s push to reposition its aviation sector received a significant boost yesterday as the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, received in audience a high-powered delegation from Deutsche Bank, led by Mr. Andreas Voss, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, Corporate Bank – Trade Financial Institutions.

The strategic meeting, held in Abuja, was aimed at exploring investment opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation industry and strengthening financial cooperation between the Federal Government and one of Europe’s foremost financial institutions.

Mr. Voss, a renowned infrastructure finance expert with decades of experience across African markets, commended the Honourable Minister for his bold reforms and progressive vision for Nigeria’s aviation sector. He noted that the recent policy direction under Minister Keyamo has not only stabilized the industry but has also enhanced investor confidence, particularly in areas such as airport infrastructure, safety systems, training, and aircraft financing.

Voss reaffirmed Deutsche Bank’s long-standing presence and commitment to Nigeria, emphasizing that the bank—operating in the country for over 40 years—is strategically positioned to support the Federal Government’s efforts through structured export credit facilities, sustainable funding models, and tailored project finance solutions.

In response, Minister Keyamo expressed strong optimism about the collaboration, noting that Nigeria offers one of the most promising aviation markets on the African continent. He highlighted the country’s strategic geographic location, rapidly growing passenger numbers, and the federal government’s pro-business policies as major incentives for foreign direct investment.

“Now is the right time for investors to come in,” Keyamo said. “Nigeria has the traffic, and we are equidistant to almost every part of the world. All major international carriers are benefitting from our traffic. We want Nigerian investors and international partners like Deutsche Bank to take full advantage of these opportunities.”

To ensure actionable follow-up, the Minister immediately constituted a technical working group tasked with engaging Deutsche Bank’s representatives on potential investment streams across the aviation value chain.

In a statement following the meeting, Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister, emphasized that the engagement was a milestone in the Ministry’s drive to attract strategic financing for critical aviation infrastructure.

Moshood noted that both parties identified four priority areas for immediate and long-term collaboration:

• Modernization and expansion of airport facilities to meet global standards
• Upgrades of aviation safety, surveillance, and navigation systems
• Development of green and sustainable airport projects in line with international climate targets
• Establishment of a world-class National Aviation Training Academy to bridge the skills gap in the industry

He added that the talks are in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the overhaul of key infrastructure, attraction of foreign investment, and improved service delivery in strategic sectors like aviation.

“This is not just about securing funding,” Moshood said. “It is about building long-term, credible partnerships that will redefine aviation in Nigeria and place it among the top global hubs for air transport, connectivity, and training.”

The visit of Mr. Voss and his team marks a significant step in Nigeria’s broader economic diplomacy and investment mobilization strategy. It also underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to engaging reputable global institutions to finance projects that will unlock jobs, stimulate the economy, and enhance Nigeria’s position in the global aviation map.