As Nigeria marks 100 years of aviation, preparations are underway for the country’s first-ever International Airshow, scheduled to hold in Abuja from December 2 to 4, 2025.
The landmark event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, aims to celebrate a century of flight operations in Nigeria while positioning the country as a key player in the global aviation industry.
Leading preparations for the historic centenary celebration, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to seek collaboration and logistical support for the show.
Keyamo described the Abuja International Airshow as a landmark global gathering that will feature major aviation players and showcase Nigeria’s progress over the last 100 years.
“From the first aircraft landing in Nigeria in 1925 till now, this year marks a century of aviation in our country. As part of this centenary celebration, we are partnering with a private company and the Nigerian Air Force to deliver a world-class event that will attract global attention,” he said.
The Minister explained that, similar to airshows hosted in the United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria would now hold an annual airshow to attract investors, promote tourism, and expand trade and foreign investment opportunities.
He requested the FCT Administration’s support in key areas such as transportation, security, sanitation, publicity, and tourism promotion, noting that Abuja would host high-profile guests and corporate delegations from around the world.
Keyamo specifically sought the use of CNG buses, FCT train services, and citywide billboards for logistics and promotion, as well as collaboration with Aso Radio and Aso TV for awareness campaigns.
In his response, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike commended the initiative and pledged full support from the Administration, describing the event as a major global showcase of Nigeria’s aviation advancement and Abuja’s transformation under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We will give all the necessary support, but everything cannot be free; that’s the problem Nigeria has,” Wike said frankly.
He directed relevant FCT departments, including the Transport Secretariat, Outdoor Advertising and Signage (DOAS), Aso Radio/TV, Security Directorate, and Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), to coordinate logistics, security, publicity, and environmental management ahead of the event.
Wike reaffirmed that the FCT had already made massive investments in infrastructure around the airport, including the dualized Airport Road leading to the Airshow venue, ensuring Abuja is ready to host the historic celebration.
“The Nigeria International Airshow 2025 will not only celebrate our nation’s aviation heritage but also position Abuja firmly on the global aviation map,” Wike stated confidently.
