29th LAAC Conference Charts Bold Path for Financing Nigeria’s Aviation
The League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) held its 29th Annual Conference in Lagos with a resounding call for innovative financing models, policy consistency, and stronger partnerships to propel Nigeria’s aviation industry into a sustainable future.
Dignitaries from across government, industry, and the media gathered for the high-profile event themed “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects.”
Among them were representatives of former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR; the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo; chief executives of airlines; ground handling companies; terminal operators; and heads of key aviation agencies.
In his welcome address, Suleiman Idris, Chairman of LAAC, described the conference as one of the most influential platforms for “critical discourse, informed dialogue, and meaningful engagement on issues shaping Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
He noted that over nearly three decades, LAAC had remained steadfast in fostering accountability, innovation, and progress in the industry. The 2025 edition, he said, was particularly timely, given global economic uncertainty, rising operational costs, and major shifts in international aviation.
“Aviation is not only a mode of transport; it is a driver of national growth, economic resilience, and international relevance,” Idris declared. “Financing must be a catalyst – not a constraint – in building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant aviation industry.”
Idris outlined the major risks confronting investors, including high interest rates, foreign exchange volatility, policy inconsistency, and limited access to long-term funding.
However, he stressed that Nigeria’s strategic location, growing middle class, and expanding demand for both domestic and international air travel present a compelling case for targeted aviation investment.
He called for the adoption of innovative funding models such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangements, sovereign-backed financing, targeted foreign direct investment, and advanced leasing systems – while underscoring the need for policy consistency, regulatory transparency, and an investor-friendly climate.
The LAAC Chairman reserved special praise for Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, commending his “clear vision, courage, and coordination” since assuming office.
He pointed to decisive actions such as the rehabilitation of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; repositioning of airports through credible PPPs; and a focus on passenger satisfaction, sustainability, and security.
Idris also lauded the dedication of aviation agency heads, especially Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), for strengthening safety oversight and consumer protection; Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), for infrastructure renewal and sustainability initiatives; and Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), for enhancing air navigation systems.
Idris urged all stakeholders to engage deeply, challenge old assumptions, and commit to implementing actionable strategies discussed during the conference.
He reaffirmed LAAC’s role as more than a press body – positioning it as a facilitator of transparency, dialogue, and accountability in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
