LAAC Chairman Wants Nigeria’s Aviation Industry To Build Investor Confidence
The Chairman of League of Airport & Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), Mr. Idris Suleiman says “the Nigerian aviation industry must commit to building investor confidence through sound governance, accountability, and a clear vision for the future. This is where collaboration among the government, private sector players, financial institutions, and the media becomes essential.”
In his welcome speech at the 29th Annual Conference of LAAC with the theme, “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects” , Suleiman said: “As members of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents, we see our role not just as reporters, but as facilitators of informed dialogue and accountability. Through our stories, investigations, and coverage, we aim to promote transparency, highlight progress, and ensure that key conversations like today’s reach the right ears.”
“Over nearly three decades, LAAC has remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering this dialogue, accountability, innovation, and progress in the aviation industry. Today’s conference is a continuation of that legacy,” he said.
“In an era where global economies are being redefined by uncertainty, and infrastructure needs are rising, operating costs are escalating, and global aviation is undergoing major shifts, the question of how to sustainably finance the future of our industry could not be more relevant,” he said, identifying challenges of Nigeria’s aviation sector as “limited access to long-term financing, high interest rates, forex volatility, policy inconsistency, and a lack of investor confidence. These are real and pressing risks-but they are not without solutions. In every challenge lies an opportunity.
Nigeria’s large population, strategic geographic location, growing middle class, and increasing appetite for domestic and international air travel present a compelling case for targeted aviation investment.
To unlock this potential, we must embrace innovative financing mechanisms-ranging from public-private partnerships (PPPs), build-operate-transfer (BOT) models, leasing arrangements, to sovereign-backed financing and targeted foreign direct investment. But these tools cannot thrive without an enabling environment, one that assures policy consistency, regulatory transparency, and ease of doing business.”
He further commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), stating that since he assumed office, he “has shown a clear vision, a firm grasp of the challenges, a renewed clarity, courage, and coordination of the aviation sector. We have seen a refreshing sense of urgency in tackling long-standing issues. From infrastructure renewal to regulatory reform, from policy clarity to enhanced stakeholder engagement, there is a noticeable shift in tone, strategy, and delivery. Also, the emphasis on transparent partnerships, has given the industry a new sense of direction. His insistence on global standards has no doubt, been refreshing and impactful.
We have seen decisive actions, such as the bold move to rehabilitate and modernize the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; the drive to reposition our airports through credible public-private partnerships; and the commitment to transparency and passenger satisfaction across all aviation services.”
“Let us work together to ensure that financing becomes a catalyst; not a constraint-in building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant aviation industry in Nigeria,” he said, stating that “aviation is not just about planes and runways. It is about people, policy, progress, and it is about out national pride. What we build today will determine how far Nigeria can fly tomorrow.”
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