By Cosmas Okereafor
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo says the federal government is positioning the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to facilitate a regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul centre in Nigeria that will serve West and Central Africa. According to Keyamo, such move will reduce costs, retaining capital, and creating high-skill jobs for the Nigerian populace. The Minister also called on investors to seize the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation sector , describing the sector as a gateway to Africa’s economic transformation.Speaking at the FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC2025), holding at Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Keyamo urged investors to embrace the long-term benefits of investing in Nigeria’s fast-evolving aviation landscape, adding that the opportunities and the enabling environment are strengthening every day.
He itemised FAAN’s investment opportunities to include: Airport Infrastructure Modernization where Keyamo urged investors to partner in the form of Public Private Partnership (PPP) to guarantee returns.He also called for partnership for a World-Class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Hub adding FAAN is positioned to facilitate a regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul centre in Nigeria that will serve West and Central Africa, reducing costs, retaining capital, and creating high-skill jobs.“Africa loses billions yearly to offshore maintenance but FAAN is ready to facilitate this. Leveraging the renewed Hope funding, we are also modernizing our terminals, rehabilitating runways, expanding aprons, and developing new cargo complexes. Some of these projects could be delivered transparently under PPP frameworks that guarantee viability and investor returns.”, he said.
Keyamo, who was represented by Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, also unveiled Aviation Leasing Companies and Cargo, Logistics Hubs as aras whee international investors can partner FAAN to transform the sector.“With Nigeria’s significantly improved legal standing for aviation financing, the environment is primed for indigenous leasing firms. This is a direct opportunity to deepen aviation financing and support airline fleet modernization. Nigeria’s agricultural and manufacturing potential demands efficient export gateways. Our plan for dedicated cargo and logistics hubs at key FAAN airports will unlock agro-exports, reduce spoilage, and integrate Nigerian producers into global value chains.These are not just concepts.”, he added.According to him, the narrative of Nigerian aviation has fundamentally changed as it has shifted from problem-spotting to solution-building.He said: ‘the foundation is solid, the opportunities are clear, and the enabling environment is strengthening every day. FNAC 2025 is an inflexion point. This is a call to action and a call to partnership.
We invite you to engage deeply, review our proposals, and work with FAAN to build the aviation system our continent deserves.“And we are not starting from scratch. Under the visionary leadership of the Federal Government, we have laid a robust foundation. As we speak, six airports and numerous runways are undergoing a government-funded transformation. This is a direct investment in our shared future, At FAAN, we have built our strategy on six strategic pillars: Customer-Centric Service Delivery, Operational Excellence and Innovation, Effective Governance and Workforce Excellence, Airport Viability Infrastructure, Modernisation and Expansion, and Safety and Security. And our commitment is already yielding results”, he said.Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku sought global expertise in infrastructure development; partnership in operations; Global engagement in technology, among others.
According to her, the gap between the current capacity and projected demand presents investment opportunity in terminal modernisation, cargo facilities, and airport cities.“We seek global expertise in management, ground handling, and logistics—partner with us to enhance efficiency and share in the profitability of a growing market. From biometrics to sustainable solutions, we call for investment in the future of travel.“The fundamentals are undeniable: Africa’s largest population, a growing economy, and a strategic geographic position. The demand is here. Growth is inevitable. The only question is, who will have the foresight to be in the cockpit with us?She called on the unions to collaborate with FAAN in its quest at transforming the sector adding that the private investment is not a replacement for workforce but the catalyst for i growth.“To truly ascend, we need all hands on deck. This is why I make a direct appeal to our valued unions: embrace this new era of collaboration. Your understanding and partnership are the bedrock upon which we will build.
The private investment we seek is not a replacement for our workforce; it is the catalyst for its growth. It will create better facilities, more advanced systems, and ultimately, more and better jobs for Nigerians. Let us work together with a shared vision to welcome the capital that will secure our collective future. Let us build the partnerships that will elevate Nigerian aviation and deliver sustainable returns for all.”, she said.
