Nigeria is set to host its first-ever aircraft financing and investment summit as the government seeks to strengthen the country’s aviation sector and attract global investors.
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that the Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS) will hold on April 1–2 at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
The summit is expected to bring together global aircraft lessors, aviation financiers, airline operators, airport concessionaires, policymakers, and investors to discuss opportunities within Nigeria’s growing aviation market.
According to officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Nigeria’s aviation sector is poised for significant expansion. With a population exceeding 220 million people, the country represents one of the largest potential air travel markets in Africa.
Passenger traffic in Nigeria is projected to grow from approximately 15–16 million passengers currently to about 25.7 million by 2029, signaling increasing demand for air transportation.
Despite its large population, Nigeria currently ranks fifth in aviation seat capacity across Africa, a gap that industry experts say presents strong opportunities for fleet expansion, aircraft leasing, and airport infrastructure investment.
Across the continent, aviation forecasts indicate that more than 1,600 new aircraft will be required between 2025 and 2044, positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s long-term aviation growth.
The NAAIS summit will focus on several strategic areas, including:
- Dialogue between Nigerian airlines and global aircraft leasing companies
- Development of innovative aircraft financing models
- Investment opportunities in airport concession programs
- Strengthening Nigeria’s aircraft leasing ecosystem
Officials say the initiative aligns with the economic reform and investment goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
By bringing regulators, airlines, and international investors together, the summit aims to unlock new financing channels and support the next phase of aviation-driven economic growth in Nigeria.
The announcement was conveyed in a press release by media adviser Tunde Moshood from the minister’s office.