The Federal Government has confirmed full readiness to host Nigeria’s first-ever International Air Show, scheduled to take place from December 2 to 4, 2025, in Abuja.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Friday, ahead of the landmark event.
He was accompanied by Yakubu Adam Kofamata, the Permanent Secretary, senior ministry officials; heads of aviation agencies; and private sector partners.
Keyamo said preparations were progressing strongly, noting that globally renowned events such as the Farnborough, Paris, and Dubai air shows have become crucial platforms for showcasing national aviation capacity, attracting investors, and driving growth. He added that Nigeria’s debut Air Show is designed with the same ambition.
“This is the first time in our history 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,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that the Air Show will feature exhibitions, seminars, business engagements, and special aerial displays by the Nigerian Air Force on the opening and closing days.
He emphasised that the event is being fully funded by the private sector under the ministry’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with no federal funds committed to its execution.
“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 said.
Keyamo also clarified that flight disruptions will be minimal. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), he noted, has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting airspace only for about an hour each on the first and last days to accommodate aerial displays.
He added that thousands of international visitors are expected to begin arriving from Sunday, with the event already drawing significant global attention and positioning Nigeria as an emerging force in aviation.
Brian Okonkwo, Chief Executive of Nigerian International Airshow Limited and lead private partner, confirmed participation from global aviation giants including Textron Aviation, Leonardo Agusta, various international and local airlines, aircraft lessors, financiers, and other industry stakeholders.
