Nigeria has confirmed its readiness to host the 2026 Airport Council International (Africa) Regional Conference and in preparation for the airport event ACI Africa Secretary, Mr. Ali Tounsi visited Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo. SAN.
In a statement signed by Mr. Henry Agbebire, Director, Public Affairs And Consumer Protection, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) states that Mr. Tounsi’s visit “forms part of his scheduled mission to Nigeria to evaluate the nation’s preparedness to host the ACI-Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition slated for October 2026, a landmark event expected to attract global aviation leaders, investors and industry influencers.”
Accompanied by a high-level FAAN delegation led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Secretary-General met with the Honourable Minister to “review Nigeria’s progress in key areas of readiness, logistics planning, and overall national support for the conference.”
According to FAAN, “Mr. Tounsi expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s level of commitment and highlighted the strategic value of the 2026 conference, noting that it presents a unique platform for Africa’s aviation stakeholders to converge, exchange insights, and promote sustainable development across the sector.”
FAAN says “the visit further validated the strategic reforms and service improvements championed under the leadership of Mrs. Kuku. The ongoing infrastructure modernisation, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and renewed focus on global best practices continue to position Nigeria as a credible host for aviation events of international scale.”
The Honourable Minister, Mr. Keyamo, reaffirmed “the Federal Government’s full support, stating that the hosting of the conference aligns with the administration’s broader goal of strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry, improving connectivity and attracting foreign investment.”
Mr. Agbebire stated that Mrs. Kuku assured “the Secretary-General of the Authority’s unwavering readiness to deliver a world-class conference, adding that preparations are progressing with clear timelines and strong inter-agency collaboration.”