Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, expressed regret for the subpar results of the nation’s inaugural Nigeria Airshow and promised that things would improve going forward. Keyamo, who talked on the bad outcome of the event, on Tuesday stated that “This is our first attempt. It won’t be flawless. We are taking tiny steps, but we are taking them with courage, conviction, and clarity of purpose. As with every great beginning, we will learn from this experience, we will improve, and we will build upon it until the Nigeria International Airshow becomes a permanent fixture on the global aviation calendar—standing shoulder to shoulder with Paris, Dubai, Farnborough, and Singapore.”Daily Trust notes that major aircraft manufacturers including Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, among others were glaringly absent at the Airshow. Unlike other air shows around the world with major plane manufactures showcasing their latest aircraft and airlines making aircraft order, only a few of Nigerian military helicopters and training aircraft from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) were on display. However, a source said despite the low turnout, Nigeria sought to make a statement which was the point the Minister was making. The insider, an aviation expert, stated that thereafter the government will improve on the outing.Keyamo went on to urge patience, adding that Nigeria will continue to get better in next airshows. According to him, “As we take this bold first step, I ask that we remain patient, collaborative, and ambitious. It may not be ideal, but it is our beginning. We will improve, broaden, and elevate this Airshow with every iteration until it becomes a worldwide standard. We may be taking tiny efforts, but they are strides toward greatness—toward a future where the Nigeria International Airshow becomes a global brand and a symbol of our nation’s ambition. “ Nigerian aviation has a promising future. And today, standing here at the maiden Nigeria International Airshow, we take flight toward that future—together.By 2029, FG anticipates 25 million passengers. At the event, President Bola Tinubu revealed that the nation’s aviation passenger volume is expected to increase to 25.7 million by 2029. He also added that, according to forecasts by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the yearly revenue of the aviation sector is likely to exceed $2.58 billion. As part of a larger effort to establish Nigeria as the aviation hub of West and Central Africa, the President said that arrangements are in place to start producing aircraft components in Nigeria.”Nigeria handled 15.89 million passengers in 2023, and projections by the NCAA show this will rise to 25.7 million by 2029, with annual revenue expected to reach $2.58 billion,” stated Tinubu, who was speaking on behalf of the Secretary General of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume. “The federal government is investing heavily in modernisation. Six major airports and several runways are getting enhancements, including a N712 billion revamp of Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport,” he said.Tinubu also announced that Nigeria has inked agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University for the building of advanced Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. “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. Aero Contractors and XEJet are leading this shift with new hubs in Lagos and Abuja.” he said
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