Nigeria’s aviation transformation agenda gained momentum on Day Two of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Ireland, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), leading a high-level delegation in strategic talks with Aercap, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company.
The discussions, led by Aercap CEO Angus Kelly, focused on long-term strategic partnerships, fleet modernization, and strengthening operational capacity among Nigerian airlines. Key topics included innovative leasing solutions, flexible financing structures, and pathways for Nigerian carriers to access modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, positioning Nigeria at the heart of global aviation financing and fleet renewal dialogues.
The Nigerian delegation included industry leaders and regulators, such as Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Ahmed Tijani, Director of Air Traffic Management; and airline CEOs including Toyin Olajide (Air Peace), Dr. Obiora Okonkwo (United Nigeria Airlines), and George Urensi (Ibom Air).
For the second consecutive year, Nigeria’s presence at the conference drew attention for its strong advocacy and leadership, building credibility in the global aviation financing community.
Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, emphasized that “these measures are critical to improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety standards, reducing operating costs, and positioning Nigerian carriers to compete more effectively on regional and global routes.”
Following the Aercap meeting, the Minister engaged Afreximbank, represented by Kanayo Awani (Executive VP, Intra-African Trade & Export Development) and Helen Brume (Director & Global Head, Project & Asset-Based Finance), to explore structured financing, trade-enabling instruments, and risk-mitigation solutions to support Nigerian and African carriers.
The engagements underscored a government–industry collaborative approach, focusing on fleet development, airline sustainability, and the creation of financing frameworks capable of unlocking long-term value for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Through these proactive measures, Minister Keyamo continues to position Nigeria as an attractive destination for global lessors, financiers, and investors, while advancing a stronger, safer, and more competitive aviation sector.
