Nigeria’s aviation sector reached a historic milestone over the weekend with the unveiling of the commemorative book 100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects—an event which brought together key stakeholders across the sector.
Held at the Golfview Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, the event was also attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN who while addressing the guests highlighted transformative policies of the Ministry aimed at repositioning the aviation industry for innovation, inclusion, and global competitiveness.
Smart Aviation for a New Century
Keyamo announced the Federal Government’s plan to develop Nigeria’s first smart airport. The facility, he said, will integrate cutting-edge technologies to improve security, safety, and passenger experience—signaling the country’s readiness to compete on a global aviation stage.
”We are not just marking a century of flight; we are preparing for the next one with smart, scalable, and secure infrastructure,” He stated.
The Minister also emphasized the deployment of digital border systems, including Advance Passenger Information (API), Passenger Name Record (PNR), and e-Gates at international terminals. These initiatives, he noted, will ensure more secure, seamless passenger processing while strengthening Nigeria’s border control mechanisms.
Driving Local Content and Strategic Capacity
As part of his reform agenda, the Aviation Minister also highlighted the government’s push to empower local service providers. He revealed that most Nigerian airlines now use local in-flight catering services, with several foreign airlines following suit—a move that supports job creation and domestic enterprise.
Unveiling plans for a Boeing-backed Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to reduce reliance on foreign maintenance and enhance Nigeria’s aviation technical capacity.
“Our goal is to make Nigeria not just an aviation hub for West Africa but a technical Centre for the continent,” he noted.
Keynote speakers Air Commodore (Rtd) Ademola Onitiju and FAAN MD Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku both echoed Keyamo’s call for a national aviation masterplan and sustained investment in fleet renewal and regional connectivity.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Gbenga Olowo, Chairman of the event and President of Aviation Round Table (ART), set the tone with his welcome address emphasizing the importance of documenting Nigeria’s aviation journey and using milestones such as the centenary to reset strategic priorities.
“We cannot move forward without a clear-eyed look at where we’ve been. This book is not just a record—it is a tool for policy introspection and strategic redirection,” Olowo said.
Adding intellectual depth to the occasion, Professor Anthony Kila, who reviewed the book, praised its author Wole Shadare for producing a work that is both historically rich and accessible.
“This is not just a chronology of events—it’s a critical lens on policy, personalities, and missed opportunities,” Kila remarked.
He commended the author for striking a balance between factual documentation and engaging narrative, making it useful for scholars, policymakers, and aviation professionals alike.
A Panel for the Future
The event concluded with a dynamic panel session featuring industry experts including Chris Najomo, Mr. Adewale, Mr. John, and Alex Onogwa, who dissected the sector’s persistent bottlenecks in regulation, infrastructure, and operational efficiency. They called for **data-driven planning**, **regulatory streamlining**, and institutional collaboration.
Celebrating the Past, Committing to the Future
While the event celebrated a hundred years of civil aviation in Nigeria, it became a platform for policy direction and reform. With a commemorative book now anchoring public discourse and a robust roadmap laid out by the Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo SAN, Nigeria’s aviation future appears ready for a bold new ascent.
“This centenary is not just about nostalgia—it’s a declaration of intent,” Keyamo concluded. “We are building a smarter, safer, and globally competitive aviation sector—for today and the next generation.”
