LAAC Marks 30th Anniversary Conference as Keyamo, Onyema, Babalakin Lead Aviation Stakeholders’ Dialogue
Nigeria’s aviation industry is set for another round of high-level policy discussions as the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) prepares to host its 30th Annual Conference, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN, and Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Dr Allen Onyema, expected to play prominent roles at the event.
The conference, scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, is expected to assemble leading figures from government, regulatory agencies, airlines, airport operators, financial institutions and the wider aviation community to examine some of the most pressing issues confronting Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Organisers said the conference will focus on the theme, “Towards a Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth,” a subject they described as central to the future competitiveness and sustainability of the country’s air transport sector.
According to LAAC, the annual conference has over the past three decades established itself as Nigeria’s premier aviation policy dialogue, providing a platform for stakeholders to debate industry challenges and propose practical solutions that influence policy and operational reforms.
At this year’s event, Keyamo will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while Dr Babalakin will chair the conference. Air Peace Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema, is expected to deliver the keynote address, offering perspectives on how government and industry can work together to promote sustainable growth while maintaining a business-friendly operating environment.
A major highlight of the conference will be the unveiling of the second edition of Champions of Aviation, LAAC’s publication dedicated to documenting the achievements, milestones and contributions of aviation agencies, airlines and other organisations that have shaped the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Chairman of the LAAC Conference Committee, Mr Wole Shadare, said the choice of theme reflects the realities confronting the aviation sector, where operators continue to grapple with increasing operational costs alongside rising government revenue expectations.
He observed that while aviation remains a critical enabler of commerce, investment, tourism and national integration, there is an urgent need for policies that support business growth without imposing excessive financial burdens on operators.
“The aviation industry remains a strategic driver of economic development, trade, tourism and national integration. However, increasing fiscal pressures and multiple charges have continued to generate conversations about the need to strike a balance between government revenue generation and the growth of the industry,” Shadare said.
He explained that the conference would create an opportunity for policymakers, regulators and industry operators to engage in open and constructive discussions capable of producing practical recommendations that would strengthen the sector.
According to him, the organisers have assembled some of the industry’s most respected professionals and decision-makers to examine the issues from diverse perspectives with the ultimate goal of supporting reforms that will make Nigeria’s aviation industry more competitive and sustainable.
LAAC Chairman, Mr Sulaiman Idris, also said the association remains committed to promoting informed conversations that advance the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry through meaningful stakeholder engagement.
He noted that the annual conference has, over the past 30 years, become one of the industry’s most influential platforms for discussing emerging trends, policy direction and developmental priorities.
“Our annual conference has earned the confidence of industry stakeholders because it consistently addresses contemporary issues affecting aviation. As we mark the 30th edition, we remain committed to fostering dialogue that supports sustainable growth, enhances operational efficiency and promotes policies that will make Nigeria’s aviation industry more competitive,” Idris said.
He encouraged aviation professionals, government institutions, airline operators, airport managers, investors, financial institutions and other interested stakeholders to participate actively in the conference.
The organisers expressed optimism that the discussions would generate valuable recommendations on sustainable financing, infrastructure development, regulatory reforms, investment promotion and operational efficiency, while also addressing concerns over taxation and government revenue policies.
The 30th edition of the LAAC Annual Conference is expected to attract a broad spectrum of participants from across the aviation value chain, reinforcing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most important aviation industry gatherings and a platform for shaping the future direction of the country’s air transport sector.
