Nigeria’s Aviation Minister to Lead Discussions at LAAC 2024 Conference
Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, is set to spearhead a pivotal discussion on overcoming the challenges faced by Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Leading a team of aviation agencies’ Chief Executive Officers, key industry personalities, and stakeholders, Mr. Keyamo will engage in a strategic forum aimed at revitalising the industry.
This significant event, the 28th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), is scheduled for Friday, July 26th, at the Providence Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Nigeria.
The LAAC conference is renowned as the premier platform for dialogue in the Nigerian aviation sector, providing a crucial opportunity for the Minister to gather insights and resources from stakeholders in pursuit of restoring the sector’s former glory.
Highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement, Mr. Keyamo stated, “Stakeholders remain a key component of my desire to reposition the aviation sector onto its enviable path where the industry can stand shoulder high with others on the global stage.
“I am aware that past recommendations from the LAAC Annual Conference have helped shape the course of the development of the sector positively.”
Expressing confidence in the upcoming discussions, Mr. Keyamo added, “I have no doubt the deliberations and solutions proffered at the 2024 edition by the array of seasoned experts and stakeholders at this year’s edition will make my job as the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development a simple task.”
The theme of this year’s conference, “Aviation Survivability Amidst A Challenging Macro-economic Environment,” reflects the current economic challenges impacting Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Minister emphasised the timely nature of this theme, noting the ministry’s commitment to addressing obstacles and repositioning the sector for success.
The event will be chaired by Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, Chief Executive Officer of CITA Group, with Captain Hamisu Yadudu, a former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), moderating the sessions, and Engr. Umar Farouk, Managing Director of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), is slated to deliver the keynote speech.
Panel members include 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). Additional speakers feature 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 statement issued by the organising committee for the conference also noted the participation of Mr. Olaniyi Adigun, Chairman of the Association of Ground Handlers of Nigeria (AGHAN), among other dignitaries.
The comprehensive discussions will address various pressing issues, including poor access to foreign exchange, high cost of fuel and maintenance, inadequate airport infrastructure, regulatory constraints, and the need for technology upgrades and improved passenger comfort.
Organising committee leaders, Chinedu Eze and Albinus Chiedu, underscored the significance of this year’s conference, emphasising that the depth of issues and the caliber of industry leaders present will ensure robust and actionable strategies for navigating the sector’s growth-constraining challenges.
The LAAC 2024 Annual Conference promises to be a landmark event, fostering critical dialogue and collaboration aimed at securing a prosperous future for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
