Nigeria’s aviation industry marked a significant milestone yesterday as a high-powered delegation of airline executives and government officials, including Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, H.E. Festus Keyamo, participated in the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
The delegation, showcasing the country’s top aviation talent, included Mrs. Toyin Olajide (Air Peace), Dr. Obiora Okonkwo (United Nigeria Airlines), Mr. George Urensi (Ibom Air), Abdullahi Ahmed (NG Eagle), and Mr. Kunle Soname with Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi (ValueJet). They were joined by Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the NCAA, and Mr. Ahmed Tijani, Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, reinforcing a united government-industry front.
On the sidelines, the delegation held a high-level strategic meeting with AERCAP, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, led by CEO Mr. Angus Kelly. Discussions centered on long-term partnerships to support Nigeria’s fleet modernization objectives. Key areas explored included innovative aircraft leasing solutions, flexible financing structures, and practical pathways for fleet renewal—all aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety standards, reducing costs, and positioning Nigerian airlines for competitive advantage in regional and global markets.
The delegation also engaged with Afreximbank, led by Ms. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade & Export Development, and Ms. Helen Brume, Director and Global Head, Project & Asset Based Finance. The meetings reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging structured financing, trade-enabling instruments, and risk-mitigation frameworks to support airline sustainability and intra-African trade.
Minister Festus Keyamo highlighted the importance of these engagements, noting that strategic collaborations with global financiers and lessors are essential to achieving the federal government’s vision for a modern, safe, and globally competitive aviation sector. He emphasized that fleet modernization, access to innovative financing, and government-industry synergy are pivotal for boosting operational efficiency, reducing operational costs, and ensuring Nigerian carriers thrive on international routes.
The Dublin engagements signal a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s aviation sector, demonstrating a shared commitment among government and industry leaders to place aviation at the core of economic growth, regional integration, and intra-African trade. Discussions and consultations are set to continue, underscoring Nigeria’s proactive approach to building a resilient and globally competitive aviation ecosystem.
Minister Festus Keyamo Leads Nigerian Aviation Delegation to Forge Global Partnerships at Dublin Conference
Nigeria’s aviation sector advances under Minister Festus Keyamo as airline leaders engage AERCAP and Afreximbank in Dublin on fleet modernization, financing solutions, and sustainable growth, reinforcing government-industry collaboration for global competitiveness.
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