By Aminat Bakare
Nigeria marked a major milestone in its aviation history with the successful hosting of its first-ever International Airshow, held from December 2 – 4, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The event, which attracted over 3,000 attendees and over 60 exhibitors ranging from airlines, aviation equipment manufacturers and stakeholders amongst others revealed that the nation is committed to becoming a major player in the global aviation industry.
In the words of the Honourable Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, “the Airshow represents more than an event; it is a statement of intent. It is a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead, innovate, and compete on the global stage; it is a platform for discovery, investment, and collaboration.”
High Level Participation
The Airshow which was spearheaded by Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria International Airshow, Mrs. Bria O. Williams brought together a diverse group of veterans including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by Senator George Akume, Governors, Ministers, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Kofar Mata, Heads of aviation parastatals, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Safety Investigative Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian College Aviation Technology (NCAT) and African Aviation & Aerospace University (AAAU), CEOs of airlines and other aviation professionals amongst others.
The airshow showcased the country’s progress in the sector and provided a platform for industry stakeholders to converge and discuss opportunities for growth and development. The event featured aerial displays, exhibitions, and panel discussions, with participants from across the globe.
The airshow had a wide range of exhibitors such as AVIC KDN Airport Engineering, Textron Aviation, Leonardo Agusta, COMAC, 7Star Global Hangar, Execujet South Africa and Nigeria, Arik Air, XEjet, FAAN, NCAA, NCAT, NIMEt amongst others.
Centenary Celebration
Penultimate to the Nigeria International Airshow, the Federal Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development in collaboration with the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) also marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s aviation history with the celebration of 100 years since the first flight landed in Kano, Nigeria with a grand celebration. The event was celebrated in the heart of the Nation’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on December 01, 2025.
During the course of the 100th year celebration, 46 aviation veterans including pilots, aeronautical engineers, aviation caterers, past heads of government parastatals, and CEOs of airline amongst others were honoured and awarded for their remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
According to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Adam, the centenary celebration is “the testament to the resilience and dedication of countless individuals and institutions who have contributed to the growth of the aviation industry in Nigeria.” He stressed that “aviation has played a pivotal role in connecting our people, drive more commerce and positioning Nigeria as a hub in Africa’s aviation landscape.”
The Ministry and Heads of Parastatals under the Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development also honoured the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Barr. Festus Keyamo in recognition of their contributions and impressive track records in the Nigerian aviation industry.
Industry Insights and Discussions
The Airshow had a wide range of discussions ranging from panel sessions, fire side chats and keynote addresses from major stakeholders in the industry. It also featured discussions focused on driving airport, Fixed Based Operator (FBO) and Maintenance and Repair Ovehauls (MRO) infrastructure in the region, aircraft leasing and financing, financing for the African aviation industry and the driving force of women in aviation.
During a major discussion focused on access to funding and capital for the African aviation industry, Group Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe stated that the African aviation industry would need at least 25 billion dollars to solve the funding gap in Africa. She emphasized the need for African governments to support the aviation industry in terms of airport infrastructure and MROs. She noted that Fidelity Bank already funds at least five airlines in Nigeria and reiterated that the bank is committed to supporting African airlines and promoting aviation growth in the continent.
New Partnership
The Airshow witnessed Nigeria’s largest aviation training aircraft acquisition by the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) from Auxano Aviation. During the closing event for the Airshow, IBUAM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of 30 brand-new Jabiru J430 training aircraft.
The success of the airshow has set the stage for Nigeria to become a major player in the global aviation landscape. With its strategic location, skilled workforce, and commitment to growth, Nigeria is poised to become a hub for aviation in Africa.
The next Airshow is set to hold from November 30- December 02, 2026.