The Federal Government has announced April 2025 as the set date for the hosting of International Airshow in Nigeria.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the announcement in Abuja, adding that the Airshow has the potential of unlocking the economy as President Bola Tinubu targets a $1 trillion economy.
The Minister said the event themed: Redefining Aviation Industry through Investments and Global Engagements will showcase advancement in aviation technology, safety and innovation.
“It is my pleasure to announce that the Ministry of Aviation will be championing the hosting of a NigeriaInternational Airshow to be held in Lagos next year, 2025. We expect this to happen in the first quarter of 2025, and in subsequent briefings, we will announce the exact dates.
“But today is just to roll out the vision. Let the world know that we are ready to roll on this massive programme and invite the world also to key into this great initiative. It is the first time that an international airshow will hold in Nigeria.
“We all know what airshows are all over the world, those who have attended airshows.
We have been privileged to attend airshows in very advanced countries, and we know how those shows are organized. It brings together all stakeholders in the aviationindustry. It is a place where people also cross-pollinate ideas too, very modern ideas regarding aviation in the field of aviation.
“Some of the biggest names in aviation will come to Nigeria. They will also be displaying their services, displaying their products.
It is intended to project Nigeria as the place where the next big things will happen in
aviation in Africa,” the Minister said.
Keyamo explained that, the Nigeria International Airshow (NIA) is an amalgamated marketplace for Aviation and Aerospace Development in Africa, it aims to be the leading aviation event in the region that would facilitate awareness, innovation, opportunities and investments in the industry.
“NIA, a foremost event in Nigeria is in alignment with continental and global initiatives such as IATA, ICAO, AfBAA, AFCAC and CAA.
“The Federal Ministry of Aviation is gearing up to showcase the Nigeria International Airshow, a three-day biennial conference and airshow aimed at stimulating aviation as a positive tool for economic development in Africa.
“It aims to be the leading aviation event in the region that facilitates awareness, innovation, opportunities and investments in the industry.
“It is the facilitator for integration and connectivity of the economic growth and development in the aviation and aerospace market in the region,” said Keyamo.
Chief Executive Officer, Air Show International Nigeria, Ms Bria Okonkwo, said the anticipated key features during the conference would be aircraft display, airshow, B2B matchmaking, panel sessions, industry awards and the innovates.
She added that projected exhibiting sectors would include, fixed wings, avionics, airports, rotary wings, air traffic management, manufacturers, MRO, advanced aerial mobility, aircraft support services, emerging technology FBO, educational bodies, aircraft interior, drone eVTOL and defense.
Okonkwo said the event would attract no fewer than 3,500 attendees, 190 decision makers, 200 investors 35 startups, while there will be 50 aircraft on display
The event will bring together top industry stakeholders, investors, regulators, and government bodies to share ideas, experiences, and challenges, with the goal of fostering intra-African trade, tourism, and investment.
