Nigeria has renewed its call for global investors to take advantage of the country’s rapidly evolving aviation sector, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, officially opened the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) on Monday at the Eko Hotel and Convention Centre, Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the President, the SGF said the Tinubu administration remains firmly committed to transforming aviation into a critical engine for national growth, prosperity, and global competitiveness.
He described FNAC as an indispensable annual gathering that continues to generate innovations, partnerships and policy direction for the aviation industry.
This year’s theme, “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership and Global Engagements,” he noted, aligns seamlessly with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places aviation at the heart of job creation, economic expansion and strategic global integration.
According to him, the aviation industry stands among the world’s most technologically advanced sectors, connecting people and markets, boosting tourism and trade, and supporting thousands of jobs.
Within Africa, air transport bridges distance, enhances regional security, supports food distribution, humanitarian missions and peacekeeping efforts, and ultimately strengthens continental unity.
He underscored Nigeria’s unique geographic advantage as a regional connectivity hub, explaining that this reality has guided government investment in infrastructure, systems, capabilities, and human capital.
Over the last two years, President Tinubu has overseen significant progress in airport development and regulatory strengthening.
Among the key achievements outlined by the SGF were: the commissioning of new international terminals in Lagos and Port Harcourt, major rehabilitation works in Abuja, Enugu, Kano and other airports, enhanced regulatory oversight through synergy between the NCAA, ICAO, IATA and NCAT, expansion of cargo, hangar and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Lagos and Kano, and the development of frameworks for a national carrier based on transparency and global best practice.
“These interventions form the foundation of a modern aviation ecosystem built on efficiency, safety, private-sector investment and international competitiveness,” he said.
While the government remains a key enabler, he emphasised that aviation growth requires robust participation from private investors and development partners.
He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to simplifying regulatory procedures, promoting transparency, and offering investment incentives across critical areas such as airport infrastructure, aircraft leasing, maintenance and aviation training.
Fiscal reforms, he added, are underway to promote clarity, balance and long-term investment stability.
Akume highlighted why Nigeria continues to stand out as one of Africa’s most attractive aviation markets. With over 220 million people, a rapidly expanding middle class, the continent’s largest domestic market, and access to a $1.7 trillion regional economy enabled by the AfCFTA, Nigeria presents enormous demand in cargo operations, MRO services, leasing, charter operations and aviation-linked real estate.
“These are not theoretical possibilities,” he stressed. “They are practical, profitable opportunities waiting to be harnessed.”
Looking ahead, he identified emerging frontiers that are expected to drive the next phase of aviation expansion. These include dedicated aviation cargo and agro-export corridors in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Makurdi; cold-chain integration to support perishables; expanded MRO capacity to curb capital flight; smart and green airports incorporating renewable energy, digital passenger systems and AI-driven security; and strengthened aviation training through the upgraded and decentralised Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).
“These developments support the President’s broader objectives of economic diversification, sustainable growth and employment creation,” he said.
The SGF reaffirmed that safety, efficiency and sustainability remain at the core of government aviation policy. He also commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development for “purposeful leadership”, as well as FAAN and other aviation agencies for their commitment to excellence.
He concluded with optimism about the future of Nigerian aviation, stating that the combined efforts of government, private investors and international partners would deliver a stronger, safer and more globally connected industry.
On behalf of President Tinubu, he congratulated conference participants and declared FNAC 2025 officially open, urging stakeholders to use the platform to chart a bold and progressive path for the industry.
“Let us continue working together to keep Nigeria flying higher,” he said.
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