Poor outing at Nigeria’s first airshow; Keyamo apologises

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has apologised for the poor outcome of the country’s first Nigeria Airshow, adding that it would become better in the future. Keyamo, who spoke on the poor outcome of the event, on Tuesday stated that “This is our first attempt. It will not be perfect. We are taking baby 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 reports that major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, among others were conspicuously absent at the Airshow. Unlike other air shows around the world with major plane makers displaying their latest aircraft and airlines making aircraft order, only a handful 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 tried to make a statement which was the point the Minister was making. The source, an aviation expert, assured that subsequently the government would improve on the outing. Speaking further, Keyamo called for patience, noting that Nigeria will keep improving on future airshows. According to him, “As we take this bold first step, I ask that we remain patient, collaborative, and ambitious. It may not be perfect, but it is our beginning. With each edition, we will refine, expand, and elevate this Airshow until it becomes a global benchmark. “We may be taking small steps, but they are steps toward greatness—toward a future where the Nigeria International Airshow becomes a global brand and a symbol of our nation’s ambition. “The future of Nigerian aviation is bright. And today, standing here at the maiden Nigeria International Airshow, we take flight toward that future—together.”

FG projects 25m passenger traffic by 2029 Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu at the event disclosed that the country’s air passenger traffic is projected to rise to 25.7 million by 2029. He also stated that, according to projections by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the annual revenue of the aviation sector is expected to reach $2.58 billion. The President stated that plans are underway to commence aircraft component manufacturing in Nigeria as part of a broad initiative to position the country as the aviation hub of West and Central Africa. Represented by the Secretary General of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume while speaking on some of the milestones and plans for the sector, Tinubu said: “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. “The federal government is investing heavily in modernisation. Six major airports and multiple runways are undergoing upgrades, including a N712 billion refurbishment of Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport,” he said. Tinubu also revealed that Nigeria has signed agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University for the establishment of sophisticated 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 transformation with new hubs in Lagos and Abuja.” he said

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