Nigerian Aviation Industry Set for Critical Discussions at 28th LAAC Annual Conference
In response to mounting concerns over the state of the Nigerian aviation industry and the erratic nature of domestic airline operations, industry leaders are preparing for a pivotal forum to address and find solutions to these pressing issues.
The 28th League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Annual Conference is scheduled for Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Providence Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
The event will feature Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, leading a cadre of CEOs from government agencies, airline operators, and other stakeholders in comprehensive brainstorming sessions.
Confirming his participation, Keyamo emphasised the conference’s importance for sharing ideas and strategies to navigate the current macro-economic challenges affecting the aviation sector.
“The challenges before us and the industry are not insurmountable. We need to come together, especially at the LAAC conference. It gives us the best opportunity to dissect the challenges one after the other and agree on the steps to take to reach and achieve our goals,” Keyamo stated.
He encouraged stakeholders to come with open, progressive minds to discuss the sector’s potential to significantly boost Nigeria’s GDP and create employment opportunities.
Mr. Albinus Chiedu, Secretary of the LAAC Conference Planning Committee, noted that Keyamo will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, CEO of CITA Group, will chair the proceedings. Chiedu highlighted the conference theme, “Aviation Survivability Amidst Challenging Macro-economic Environment,” as particularly relevant given Nigeria’s current economic difficulties, which exacerbate existing constraints such as poor access to foreign exchange, high fuel and maintenance costs, inadequate airport infrastructure, and regulatory challenges.
Keynote speeches will be delivered by Engr. Umar Farouk, Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), with additional presentations by Capt. Samuel Caulcrick, former Rector of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, and Dr. Alex Nwuba, Second Vice President of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI).
A panel session moderated by Capt. Hamisu Yadudu, former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), will feature prominent discussants including Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, and Dr. Wale Babalakin, Chairman of Bicourtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).
Other dignitaries include Mr. Adejoju Olutimayin, Chairman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Managing Director of FCM Nigeria, and Mr. Olaniyi Adigun, Chairman of the Association of Ground Handlers of Nigeria (AGHAN).
Chiedu expressed optimism about the conference’s potential impact, citing high interest from industry leaders and the caliber of the speakers.
He emphasised the event’s history of influencing significant changes in Nigeria’s aviation sector through public discussion of critical policy, management, and operational issues.
As the LAAC Annual Conference approaches, it offers a crucial platform for aviation and allied businesses to showcase their products and services with relevance to the sector’s growth and survival.
