Nigeria first-ever International Airshow opens today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja! Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace
Dev.Festus Keyamo, SAN @fkeyamo welcomes global industry leaders for business, innovation, world-class ariel entertainment
Nigeria has secured re-election into Part II of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) at the ongoing 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada.
Groundbreaking of Air Peace @flyairpeace MRO Facility in Lagos
Today at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport @LOSairport, the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN @fkeyamo, performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Air Peace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. This landmark project, supported by Fidelity Bank @fidelitybankplc and Bank of Industry @BOINigeria, is being realized in partnership with Embraer @embraer of Brazil. It will not only serve Nigerian airlines but also provide regional maintenance capacity, with Embraer offering full technical backing.
The initiative, which began as a vision nine years ago, is now coming to life under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, one of the direct gains of his recent state visit to #Brazil.
Speaking at the event, Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema hailed government for backing local airlines, noting that his company spends over ₦180 billion annually on offshore aircraft maintenance. He announced that the facility’s potential to create over 50,000 jobs.
In his remarks, the Hon. Minister emphasized that his mandate is to nurture and grow indigenous businesses in aviation sector. He assured that Nigerian airlines @AONigeria will begin to enjoy incentives similar to their international counterparts, and also hinted that the first dry lease transaction in Nigeria will happen within weeks—a sign of renewed investor confidence.
“This success is part of Mr. President’s vision. We are only driving it to reality. No sector can thrive without strong financial support, and the commitment of our banks today is a testimony to the confidence in aviation,” the Hon. Minister stated.
The project is expected to be completed in 24 months.
#AviationNigeria #RenewedHope
Nigeria–Brazil Air Link Takes Off as Keyamo Hails Game-Changer for Trade, Travel
…as Air Peace, Embraer to Establish MRO Facility in Nigeria
https://t.co/oD1OA35bRw
🇳🇬✈️🇧🇷
Under the Brazil–Nigeria BASA:
- Caverton @CavertonGroup → Cargo
- Air Peace @flyairpeace → Passengers
Snippet of the operation from the HMA @fkeyamo
Nigeria is ready to fly! 🪰
“In this economy, ₦712 billion to renovate an airport? You could build a new one with that!”
That’s the hot take flying around now. But is it true? Can ₦712bn (about $500m) really build a brand-new international airport like Bole in Ethiopia (the most popular transit hub in Africa)?
Let’s break it down
First, context:
Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport was built in the 1970s to process around 200k passengers/year. In 2024, it’s handling 6.5 million+ passengers annually, with the same tired infrastructure and constant system failures. Travellers have been screaming for years:
— No space
— Bad baggage handling
— ACs failing
— Dim lights
— Chaotic arrival
— Poor security & hygiene
This is Nigeria’s flagship airport o. And it’s a mess. So… FG approved ₦712 billion for a full overhaul. Thank God!!!
Now, people say, “$500 million can build a new airport!”
Here’s what that kind of money actually builds by comparing with some airports in same Africa;
Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa):
– Recent terminal expansion: $250 million
– Handles About 12 million passengers/year
– Capacity: 22 million passengers
– Built to connect global traffic via Ethiopian Airlines hub
That was just an expansion o, not from scratch. Now check this:
New Mega Airport at Bishoftu ( same Ethiopia)
– Announced in 2024
– Expected cost: $7.2 billion (abeg convert to naira to have the full picture)
– Capacity: 60–100 million passengers/year
– 4 runways, space for 270 aircraft
That’s the real “build a new one” standard.
So if $7.2B builds a mega airport…How far can $500 million (₦712bn) go?
Answer: Far, but not far enough to build a new hub-scale international airport from scratch. You’ll get a small regional airport. Not MMIA-level. Not international gateway material. And I’m not counting the agro cargo built by some state governors o. We are talking real international standard hub here!
And that’s why the FG is renovating, not starting over.
The plan for MMIA includes:
✅ Upgrading terminals
✅ New baggage & check-in systems
✅ Modern airfield lighting
✅ Safety & security upgrades
✅ Better passenger flow
✅ More aircraft capacity
This isn’t a paint job. It’s structural. And with MMIA being the busiest in Nigeria, generating major revenue, it’s an investment that:
– Makes it competitive
– Attracts airlines & tourism
– Boosts investor confidence
– Creates jobs
– Restores national pride
Yes, ₦712bn sounds huge. But poor infrastructure already costs us billions in missed opportunities every year. If we want world-class airports Ethiopia, we have to pay for it. Quality isn’t cheap.
Let’s stop politicizing everything. MMIA has been long overdue for serious rehab. This is not luxury, it’s a necessity. If we call ourselves the “Giant of Africa,” our gateways should reflect that.
Let’s get it done.!
@Omojuwa@Asovillanews_@faan_md@FAAN_Official@fmaviationng@fkeyamo@PBATMediaCentre@DigiSummit25_@LegendaryJoe@Letter_to_Jack
The Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun @fkeyamo, was in Enugu State earlier today to flag off the inaugural flight and operations of the State-owned airline, Enugu Air @enuguairline, which is currently being operated by XEJET @flyxejet.
The Hon. Minister was warmly received by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah @PNMbah, members of the State Executive Council, distinguished leaders and elders of Enugu State, revered traditional rulers, and a vibrant crowd of enthusiastic citizens who gathered to witness this historic moment.