Why it Matters
- Signals renewed government commitment to modernising Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and airspace management.
- Highlights policy-driven alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda to position aviation as an economic growth engine.
- Underscores Nigeria’s growing role as a regional aviation hub through new bilateral air service agreements.
- Reinforces strategic partnerships between Nigeria and European stakeholders to boost connectivity and investment.
Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, CON, SAN, FCIArb (UK), has described the Nigerian Aviation Industry as an industry poised for transformative advancement.
Delivering a keynote address at the Nigeria, Belgium, Luxembourg Business Forum in Brussels, Keyamo said Nigeria has prioritised automation and next-generation air traffic management systems to enhance operational efficiency.
“Given Nigeria’s strategic geographic position and the growing demand for air travel, stakeholders have a unique opportunity to leverage Africa’s expanding aviation market for sustained growth and global competitiveness,” he said.
“The horizon is wide. The runway is clear. Now is the time for partnerships to take flight. Let us work together to elevate aviation into an enduring engine of growth for Nigeria, for Africa, and for our global partners,” he encouraged members of the forum.
While chronicling the various reforms embarked upon in the aviation sector by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Keyamo, represented by the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, said Nigeria has embarked on comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, including the modernisation of airport terminals, expansion of cargo and logistics networks, and integration of innovative technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is reimagining aviation as a cornerstone of its post-reform economic strategy, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda. This vision recognises that connectivity is not just about movement; it is about economic empowerment, job creation, and national competitiveness.”
While thanking the Government of Belgium—particularly the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade—and the Nigeria Belgium Luxembourg Business Forum organisers for convening the flagship platform where Nigeria and Belgium converge in a spirit of economic cooperation, innovation, and mutual prosperity, he said that Nigeria is expanding its global footprint through bilateral air service agreements and strategic partnerships with international carriers. These aim to deepen route networks, unlock new markets, and drive passenger and cargo growth, positioning Nigeria as the gateway to Africa.
The forum brought together top dignitaries from Nigeria and Europe, including H.E. Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State, the representative of the Executive Governor of Taraba State, senior government officials, investors, and business leaders.
