FNAC 2025: Keyamo Positions Nigeria as Africa’s Next Aviation Investment Hub
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, on Monday declared that Nigeria’s aviation industry has entered a new era defined by investment readiness, partnership opportunities and global engagement.
The Minister made this bold declaration during his compelling welcome address at the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC), held at Eko Hotel, Lagos.
The event, themed “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry Through Investment, Partnership and Global Engagements,” was formally opened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume.
Keyamo described the conference as a landmark moment for the nation’s aviation sector, stating that he felt “deep honour, pride and a profound sense of responsibility” as host minister.
He commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for organising an exemplary forum that reflects the government’s renewed commitment to transforming the industry.
The minister emphasised that the conference theme captures Nigeria’s national aspiration to make aviation a catalyst for economic growth.
According to him, the country is not only Africa’s largest aviation market by population and demand but also a strategic regional hub ripe for significant private-sector-led investment.
“Today, we are here to present a landscape rich with curated opportunities,” he announced. “The investment priorities we present are structured, viable and designed for private-sector leadership.”
Keyamo affirmed that Nigeria’s aviation narrative has shifted from “problem-spotting to solution-building,” noting that the sector’s foundation is now more stable, transparent and investor-friendly.
In highlighting investment-ready projects under FAAN, the minister outlined four major categories where partnerships are urgently sought:
Airport Infrastructure Modernisation
Keyamo revealed that under the Renewed Hope agenda, terminals are being modernised, runways rehabilitated, aprons expanded and new cargo complexes developed. Many of these infrastructure upgrades, he noted, will be transparently delivered through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models designed to ensure viability and competitive investor returns.
Establishment of a World-Class MRO Hub
He stressed that Africa loses billions of dollars annually to offshore aircraft maintenance. With the right partnerships, FAAN intends to host a regional Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre in Nigeria to serve West and Central Africa, drastically reducing costs, retaining capital within the continent, and creating highly skilled jobs.
Development of Aviation Leasing Companies
With Nigeria’s improved legal framework for aviation financing, Keyamo encouraged investors to explore the establishment of indigenous leasing companies to support fleet modernisation across local airlines.
Cargo and Logistics Hubs
He announced plans to build dedicated cargo and logistics centres across strategic airports. These hubs, he said, would unlock Nigeria’s massive agricultural and manufacturing export potential by reducing spoilage, improving processing efficiency, and linking producers directly into global value chains.
“These are not just concepts,” he assured. “Throughout this conference, FAAN will present data, timelines and structured business cases for your review.”
Describing FNAC 2025 as an inflexion point for the industry, Keyamo urged investors, development partners and aviation stakeholders to engage deeply with the investment proposals and seize the opportunities presented.
“We invite you to review our proposals and work with FAAN to build the aviation system our continent deserves,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the discussions and commitments made at the conference would “ignite the momentum needed to propel the ongoing transformation of our aviation ecosystem to new heights.”
The minister concluded by thanking all participants for their presence and reaffirming that the future of Nigerian aviation “begins now,” with collective action and sustained partnership.
FNAC 2025 continues with panel sessions, technical presentations and investment briefings designed to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional aviation powerhouse.
