Economist Bismarck Rewane Confirmed As Keynote Speaker At August 7th LAAC Conference
The League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) has confirmed the addition of Mr. Bismarck Rewane, acclaimed financial analyst and Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, as a keynote speaker at the 29th Annual Conference scheduled to hold on Thursday, 7 August 2025, at The Providence Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos..
With barely a week to go, LAAC has reaffirmed its high level of preparedness for the conference themed “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects,” which is a landmark event that has drawn substantial industry interest and endorsements, with robust participation anticipated from across the aviation and finance spectrum.
Mr Bismarck Rewane, a respected voice in Nigeria’s economic and financial policy circles, will bring deep insights into macroeconomic trends, investment flows, and sustainable financing strategies critical to the aviation sector’s future.
Mr. Gbenga Alade, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), remains confirmed as Conference Chairman, while Dr Gabriel Gbenga Olowo, aviation economist and Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, will deliver a keynote address focused on industry dynamics and the economics of air transport.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) will attend as Special Guest of Honour, lending crucial government perspective to the conversation around financing frameworks, reforms, and policy directions.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, will deliver a regulatory goodwill message, affirming the Authority’s commitment to an enabling investment environment and sustainable oversight regime.
A diverse panel of seasoned professionals from various segments of the aviation value chain will drive technical sessions.
The panelists include: Dr. Alex Nwuba, Chairman, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Mr Chris Aligbe, Former General Manager of the defunct Nigeria Airways now Chief Executive of Belujane Konzult, Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, Chief Executive Officer of CITA Energies Limited, Capt. Roland Iyayi, Chief Executive Officer of TopBrass Aviation, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/Chief Executive of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines.
Speaking on the final stage of preparations, Mr. Wole Shadare, Chairman of the LAAC Conference Committee, said: “We are fully ready to host what promises to be one of the most consequential conversations on aviation financing in Nigeria’s recent history. The addition of Mr Bismarck Rewane brings further intellectual weight to an already robust programme. Delegates can expect high-impact sessions and practical policy recommendations that speak directly to Nigeria’s aviation financing realities.”
He added that the event will also feature the unveiling of a compendium titled “Celebrating Champions of Aviation Development” – a commemorative publication profiling individuals, institutions, and governments that have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s aviation sector since 1999.
Key thematic areas to be addressed at the conference include Infrastructure investment and airport modernisation, Aircraft leasing and financing strategies, Funding Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations, Jet A1 supply and pricing mechanisms, Regulatory reforms and consumer protection, Navigational infrastructure and technology investment and Insurance and risk management.
As the countdown begins, LAAC has assured stakeholders of a seamless and engaging event, with robust logistics already in place and all strategic partners confirming participation.
The conference enjoys the endorsement of aviation regulatory agencies, local and international airlines, state governments, ground handling firms, and financial institutions, reinforcing its status as a premier platform for aviation dialogue and stakeholder engagement.
