Take Home From Nigeria’s Bold Statement At The Airline Economic Conference, Dublin
For years, Nigeria’s aviation sector has struggled to reclaim its lost glory, facing challenges ranging from financing constraints to aircraft leasing bottlenecks and insurance hurdles. However, at the 2025 Airline Economic Conference held in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, between January 12th and 15th, the world witnessed a renewed and rebranded Nigeria, a nation ready to take its rightful place as Africa’s aviation hub.
At the forefront of this transformation was the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who led a powerful delegation comprising top aviation stakeholders, industry investors, insurance practitioners, and five of Nigeria’s biggest banks. This strategic move was aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to the global aviation market, attracting investments, and reinforcing the nation’s ability to compete favourably on the international stage.
Nigeria Steps Up In Aviation Financing
A major highlight of Nigeria’s participation was the effort to position the country as a viable and credible destination for aircraft leasing and financing. In a sector where access to competitive aircraft financing has often been a challenge, the Nigerian delegation engaged with leading aircraft lessors, insurers, and financial institutions to address long-standing concerns.
One of the major breakthroughs from the conference was the commitment from Afreximbank, which announced plans to collaborate with Nigeria on aircraft financing. In a pivotal side meeting, Helen Brume, Director of Global Head of Project and Asset-Based Finance at Afreximbank, revealed plans to launch a leasing subsidiary that will soon deliver 25 aircraft to boost the Nigerian aviation industry.
Similarly, international aircraft leasing giant Avolon has also bought into the Nigerian project, marking a significant milestone in attracting global partners to support the country’s aviation sector.
Regulatory and Compliance Triumphs
A major point of discussion at the Boeing-facilitated conference held at The Mansion House was Nigeria’s recent improvements in regulatory compliance, particularly regarding the Cape Town Convention and the Aviation Working Group (AWG) compliance index.
During an exclusive interview with Philip Tozer-Pennington, Managing Director of Aviation News, the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN) articulated how his administration improved Nigeria’s compliance scores and repositioned the country as a trustworthy partner in the global aviation ecosystem.
“Before we assumed office, Nigeria was actually in the ‘black book’ of the Aviation Working Group (AWG) due to our very low compliance status. Recognizing the problem, we immediately engaged the Nigerian judiciary and other key stakeholders to strengthen our legal framework,” Keyamo explained.
This reform effort was further bolstered by the direct support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, leading to a significant increase in Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention compliance score from 49.5% to 75.5%. The review and enhancement of the Irrevocable De-Registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) were also crucial in rebuilding investor confidence in the Nigerian aviation industry.
Insurance And The New Era Of Trust
For years, Nigerian airlines have struggled with high insurance premiums, often forced to place their risks internationally due to low confidence in the local insurance market. However, at the Dublin conference, Nigerian insurance practitioners engaged in high-level discussions with global insurers to address these issues.
With Nigeria’s improved compliance records and stronger regulatory framework, the discussions paved the way for better risk assessment and potentially lower insurance premiums for Nigerian airlines. This is expected to ease financial burdens on operators, ensuring sustainable airline operations in the country.
A Turning Point For Nigeria’s Aviation Industry
The Nigerian delegation’s presence at the Airline Economic Conference 2025 sent a clear and powerful message to the world. Nigeria is no longer a spectator in global aviation but a serious contender ready to lead the sector in Africa.
Beyond securing international partnerships, the conference also exposed Nigeria’s aviation industry to new opportunities, investors, and financial institutions, strengthening the country’s air transport infrastructure and service delivery.
With Afreximbank’s aircraft leasing subsidiary on the horizon, Nigeria’s airline operators will soon gain easier access to modern aircraft, significantly reducing dependence on expensive wet leases. Similarly, the collaboration with Avolon and other leasing firms signals a new era of trust and partnership with global stakeholders.
Conclusion
The 2025 Airline Economic Conference in Dublin was more than just another international aviation event. It was a watershed moment for Nigeria’s aviation industry. Minister Festus Keyamo’s bold leadership and strategic engagement with global aviation players has reinforced Nigeria’s credibility, improved its compliance standing, and opened doors for massive investments.
For the first time in decades, the world now sees Nigeria as a serious aviation nation—one that is determined, structured, and ready to dominate the African aviation landscape. The question is no longer whether Nigeria will become an aviation hub, but when; and if the momentum from Dublin is anything to go by, that moment is closer than ever.
By Tunde Moshood
