Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, has declared the Federal Government’s full readiness to host Nigeria’s maiden International Air Show, scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 2nd December to Thursday, 4th December, 2025, in Abuja.
Keyamo disclosed this during the inspection tour of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Friday, 28th November, 2025, ahead of the Nigeria International Air Show. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofamata; top management of the Ministry; heads of aviation agencies; and private sector partners.
Keyamo noted that preparations for the landmark event were progressing impressively. He emphasized that globally renowned events such as the Farnborough Air Show, Paris Air Show, and Dubai Air Show play a vital role in projecting national aviation capabilities, attracting investments, and accelerating sectoral growth. He said Nigeria’s first International Air Show is set to achieve the same objectives.
“This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that we are hosting an international air show. We are expecting foreign visitors, airlines, investors, financiers, and partners who want to see what Nigeria has to offer. There is no better time than now. The sector is on the cusp of development, and the present administration has rolled out policies that are already driving growth,” Keyamo stated.
He further revealed that the event will feature daily exhibitions, stakeholder seminars, business exchanges, and special aerial displays by the Nigerian Air Force on the opening and closing days.
Keyamo also disclosed that the Federal Government has not spent any public funds in organizing the Air Show. He described the event as a major achievement of the Ministry’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
“Everything you see here today is funded entirely by the private sector. The government has only provided its franchise, infrastructure, and support. We did not commit federal funds, yet Nigeria is gaining maximum global mileage. This is the clever and efficient approach we adopted,” he explained.
Keyamo clarified that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting flights only during brief air display periods.
“For the air displays, the airspace will be restricted for only a short period of about an hour on the first and last days. Normal flight operations will continue outside these windows,” he assured.
He added that thousands of international visitors are expected to arrive from Sunday, noting that the Air Show is already drawing global attention and positioning Nigeria as an emerging force in the international aviation ecosystem.
The lead private partner, Mrs. Brian Okonkwo, Chief Executive, Nigerian International Airshow Limited, confirmed participation from major global aviation brands Textron Aviation, Leonardo Agusta, several international and local airlines, lessors, financiers, and numerous industry partners.
Signed
Odutayo Oluseyi
Head, Press & Public Affairs
