Clarion Newschannel – National Desk (Lagos, 3 December 2025)
In a powerful speech delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the federal government Senator George Akume at the official opening of the maiden Nigeria International Airshow, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, declared that Nigeria has taken its rightful place among the world’s elite aviation nations, joining the prestigious league of Farnborough, Paris, and Dubai.
Reading the President’s address, the representative stated:
“Today, we join the ranks of world-class airshows… showcasing innovation, partnerships, and progress. This airshow marks a new chapter as Nigeria celebrates 100 years of aviation in 2025.”
Key highlights from President Tinubu’s speech:
Nigeria’s Aviation Transformation – From Humble Beginnings to Global Ambitions
Passenger traffic surged to 15.89 million in 2023, projected to hit 25.7 million by 2029 with annual revenue of $2.58 billion (NCAA forecast)
Massive infrastructure investment: ₦712 billion earmarked for Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport alone, plus upgrades at six major airports and multiple runways
Nigeria now ranks No. 1 in Africa for compliance with international standards
Cape Town Convention compliance score soared from 49.5% to 75.5%, unlocking low-cost aircraft financing for Nigerian carriers
Historic MRO breakthrough: Agreements signed with Boeing and Cranfield University to establish world-class Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul facilities, ending the $200 million annual capital flight for overseas maintenance
Aero Contractors and XEJet spearheading new MRO hubs in Lagos and Abuja
Air Peace resumed Lagos–London flights after five years; Emirates and Uganda Airlines returned following new BASAs
Aviation now contributes 2.5% to Nigeria’s GDP, powered by 20 airports, 23 domestic airlines, and thousands of skilled professionals
Global Engagement
Nigeria recently showcased its aerospace and defence ambitions at the Dubai Airshow, sending a strong signal of readiness for next-generation partnerships.
Vision for the Future
President Tinubu declared:
“Our goal is clear: to make Nigeria the undisputed aviation hub of West and Central Africa.”
This will be achieved through:
Aggressive public-private partnerships
New training centres
Plans for local aircraft component manufacturing
A sustainable ecosystem that creates jobs, drives innovation, and strengthens national security
The President commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the entire Nigerian International Airshow organising team for delivering this landmark event.
In a stirring conclusion, he said:
“As we celebrate this airshow, let us honour the engineers, pilots, regulators, and entrepreneurs who have made this progress possible. Together, we will continue to soar higher, ensuring that Nigeria is not only a participant but a leader in global aviation.”
Welcome to the future of Nigerian aviation.
Nigeria is ready to lead global aviation” – President Tinubu declares as country hosts historic first International Airshow
