As Nigeria celebrates a century since its first recorded flight, the Federal Government is gearing up to host the country’s first-ever International Airshow in Abuja from December 2 to 4, 2025, an event designed to place Nigeria firmly on the global aviation map.
Organised by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the event will mark 100 years of aviation history in Nigeria, from the first aircraft landing in 1925 to the present day, with the country now seeking to position itself as a central hub in Africa’s aviation future.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Tuesday, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, said preparations are already in full swing to deliver a world-class event that would attract key industry stakeholders, investors, and aviation enthusiasts from around the world.
“This is not just a celebration; it’s a statement of intent,” Keyamo said. “We are partnering with the private sector and the Nigerian Air Force to stage a landmark event that mirrors what countries like the UK, France, and UAE have done with their own international airshows.”
Keyamo noted that Nigeria plans to institutionalise the airshow as an annual event, designed to draw foreign investment, boost tourism, and spur innovation in the local aviation and aerospace industries.
🇳🇬 Abuja Takes Centre Stage
To ensure seamless logistics for the high-profile event, the Aviation Ministry is seeking full collaboration with the FCT Administration. Keyamo requested support in key areas such as:
- Transportation: Deployment of CNG buses, commuter vehicles, and the FCT light rail to shuttle attendees to and from the airport venue
- Publicity: Approval for city-wide billboards, plus partnership with Aso Radio and Aso TV for mass awareness
- Sanitation and Security: Waste management services, emergency response units, and coordinated security presence throughout the event period
The Minister said Abuja would host delegations from across the globe, and emphasized the need for a well-coordinated city-wide effort to project the capital in the best possible light.
Wike: “We’ll Support, But Not Everything Comes Free”
Responding, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike praised the initiative and assured the Aviation Ministry of full cooperation, but with a caveat.
“We will provide all the necessary support, but let’s be clear, everything cannot be free,” Wike said bluntly. “That’s part of the challenge we’ve always had in this country.”
Nonetheless, the Minister affirmed that the event aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, and presents an opportunity to further showcase Abuja’s transformation under the current administration.
Wike immediately issued directives to relevant FCT departments:
- Transport Secretariat to coordinate logistics
- Outdoor Advertising Department (DOAS) to manage signage approvals
- Aso Radio/TV to handle media campaigns
- Director of Security to liaise with security agencies
- Satellite Towns Development Department to oversee sanitation efforts, especially along the Airport Road corridor
The FCT Minister highlighted the city’s recent infrastructure investments, especially around the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, as proof that Abuja is more than ready to host such a high-level international event.
“The Nigeria International Airshow 2025 is not just a celebration of our aviation history. It’s an opportunity to show the world that Abuja is open for business and ready to lead Africa’s aviation future,” Wike said.
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