The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Mahmud Kambari, has described aviation as one of the fastest-growing sectors in Nigeria, serving as a primary catalyst for economic transformation.
Kambari said this at the 15th edition of the Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Award and Ministerial Dinner held on Friday night in Lagos.
According to him, aviation not only builds bridges to national, social, and economic inclusion, but also plays a significant role in regional trade integration and serves as the main gateway to global trade.
He added that aviation is key to the African Continental Free Trade Area Initiative, where Nigeria is expected to lead.
He said the current administration understands and appreciates the importance of the aviation sector in accelerating development.
He added that the administration has begun investing heavily in infrastructure and encouraging public-private partnerships in the sector.
Highlighting the importance of the event, Kambari said he hoped that by the end of 2026, aviation performance would surpass targets and deliver significant growth in the aviation and aerospace sector.
“This aspiration will require collective effort and commitment. I sincerely call on everyone in the industry to join hands to deliver a prosperous sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“This administration believes that industry growth and sustainability are anchored in the excellent performance of every team member in the sector, and that is what this occasion is about.
“This year’s theme, ‘Aviation Industry Rebirth,’ reflects renewed hope for the industry as we celebrate significant progress, including the consolidation of aircraft leasing,” he said.
Kambari commended the convener of the awards, Mr. Fortune Idu, for organising the programme to recognise industry players.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the current state of the industry as a renewed trajectory defined by results.
Najomo highlighted several milestones driving the sector’s rebirth, including infrastructure modernisation, citing ongoing upgrades at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
He also identified regulatory milestones such as the certification of national aerodromes, consolidation of aircraft leasing frameworks, fleet expansion, and intermodal connectivity, among others.
“These developments are not accidental. They are the product of deliberate policy direction, strong institutional collaboration, and visionary leadership,” he said.
Najomo reiterated the authority’s core mission of maintaining the highest standards of safety, security, and economic viability.
Dr. Richard Aisuebeogun, Co-Chairman of the NIGAV Award Committee, described 2025 as a period of transition and recalibration for the aviation industry.
He said the year was marked by policy reforms, infrastructure commitments, and renewed global engagement, alongside persistent structural challenges.
Aisuebeogun said that despite macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and high operating costs, the sector demonstrated resilience, with growth in passenger traffic and sustained government investment.
According to him, the outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic, considering policy and investment, infrastructure and capacity, and market risks.
He said sustainable growth in 2026 would depend on policy consistency, efficient project execution, cost-reduction strategies, and stronger public-private collaboration.
“If these elements are effectively aligned, Nigeria is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a leading aviation hub in Africa,” he said.
Mr. Fortune Idu, the convener of the event, said the occasion was one of the most inclusive gatherings in the aviation sector, honouring outstanding achievements within the industry.
He added that the event provides a unique opportunity for the Minister of Aviation to address stakeholders and set the agenda for the aviation year.
It was reported that awards were given to industry players, including airlines, aviation agencies, and institutions.
The highlight of the event was the crowning of the King and Queen of the Air.
After a tough competition, Blossom Ubani of Ibom Air and Adebote James of Arik Air were crowned King and Queen of the Air, respectively.
The NCAA boss was awarded Chief Executive Officer of the Year, while the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Micheal Achimugu, won several awards.
The Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), also received awards for his contributions to the development of the sector.
Mr. John Tayo, Director of Air Traffic Services at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, was also honoured.
Air Peace Ltd. won several awards, including Airline with the Best Lounge, while Arik Air won the Best Customer Relations Desk Award.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria was also honoured with awards.
Other recipients included Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2; Finchglow Ltd.; and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency.
The event, themed “Industry Rebirth,” brought together top government officials, aviation regulators, and private sector leaders to celebrate excellence and chart a greater path for the nation’s airspace.
The NIGAV Awards continue to serve as a benchmark for transparency and cohesion in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, rewarding integrity and inspiring continuous improvement among industry players.
