Keyamo Champions Nigeria’s Aviation Ambition at Dublin Conference

In a remarkable show of leadership and vision, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), led a high-profile Nigerian delegation to the Airline Economics Conference held in Dublin, Ireland, from January 12th to 15th, 2025. The event, hosted at the invitation of Boeing Company, attracted global aviation leaders, financiers, and policymakers to discuss the future of the industry.

During a fireside chat, Minister Keyamo passionately highlighted the monumental strides made in Nigeria’s aviation sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a formidable global aviation player, emphasizing strategic investments, innovative financing, and fostering partnerships to fuel the sector’s growth.

Reflecting on the sector’s challenges and triumphs, the Minister shed light on efforts to enhance Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. He outlined plans to establish world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, reduce aircraft maintenance costs, and incentivize dry-leasing models. He also discussed concessioning airports to reputable operators to elevate their competitiveness and efficiency.

Keyamo’s bold advocacy for innovative solutions, such as affordable operating leases, resonated with global aviation stakeholders. He addressed critical concerns, including improving the reliability of Nigerian airlines, reducing withholding tax burdens, and ensuring seamless insurance placements for the industry.

One of the Minister’s most notable achievements shared at the conference was Nigeria’s removal from the global aviation blacklist, facilitated by the signing of the IDERA agreement. This milestone, he explained, sets a precedent for other African nations and repositions Nigeria as a gateway for aviation excellence in West Africa.

Accompanying the Minister were prominent figures, including Senator Ahmed Buhari, Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba, Capt. Chris Najomo, representatives of the Nigerian Insurers Association, and key stakeholders from the Airline Operators of Nigeria. Their collective presence underscored the government’s united approach to fostering aviation growth and innovation.

As the conference progresses, the Minister’s participation in a high-level panel discussion on taxonomy, the Cape Town Convention (CTC), and other critical topics underscores his unwavering dedication to elevating Nigeria’s aviation narrative on the global stage.

Through these initiatives, Festus Keyamo exemplifies the bold leadership and strategic vision driving Nigeria’s aviation sector toward unprecedented growth and recognition.