Importance Of Investor Confidence To Nigeria’s Aviation Sector
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have highlighted the importance of investor confidence in the development of the industry.
In his keynote address held at the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition & Investment Summit (NAAIS) held in Lagos, Nigeria from April 1 to 2, 2026, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) said “capital flows where confidence exists and confidence grows where institutions are credible.”
He said “confidence also grows when a market shows seriousness about capability-building” and that “aircraft acquisition sits at the intersection of these three pillars of capital, confidence and capacity.” He stated that Nigeria has rebuilt the lost confidence in Nigeria’s airline operators over the years by aircraft lessors and that huge opportunities now abound for collaboration and growth.
In his speech, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo said “confidence drives investment. It influences the willingness of financiers, lessors, and global partners alike to constructively engage with our market.”
In his Goodwill Message, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative Trade & Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada-Ambrose said “what investors are looking for is clarity” adding that “when people see that the system works, confidence will grow naturally.”
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Mr. Mahmud Kambari, represented by Muhammed Tijani said “we recognize that investor confidence is anchored on clarity, consistency, and commitment. Accordingly, the Ministry is prioritizing key reforms and near-term actions aimed at enhancing the bankability of aviation projects.”
Deputy Director of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Mrs. Victoria Aigbedion emphasized that if investment must come to the sector, “investors must trust the system. Passengers must trust the airlines. Operators must trust the government.”
In his presentation, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession & Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh stated that capital follows confidence and that no investor goes into an environment where rules are unclear.
“We need consistent enforcement of contracts,” he said, adding that confidence is not built on promises but on performance.
In his speech presented by Mrs. Rita Egbadon, the Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Umar said “no aviation system grows without capital. No capital comes without confidence. And no confidence exists without strong institutions.”
The Director, Investment Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Paul Nwikpe in his presentation said “Nigeria does not need to promise confidence. It needs to institutionalize it” through measures that include removal of payment and transfer risks.
In her speech, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku said “market confidence is not built by speeches alone. It is built by consistent, visible action. Our task at FAAN is to ensure that what we do, day by day, matches the commitments we are making here.”
The Vice President of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Barrister Allen Onyema assured lessors and aircraft manufacturers in attendance that under the watch of his association’s leadership, no Nigerian airline would default again on compliance with lease agreements.
