Aviation Reform: Nigeria Courts Global Partners On Aircraft Financing

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has led a high-level delegation to the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, as part of efforts to deepen international partnerships in aviation financing and fleet renewal.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the ministry said Nigeria’s participation at the conference places the country firmly within global conversations on aircraft financing, airline competitiveness and sustainable growth in the aviation sector.

The annual conference brings together aircraft lessors, financiers, airline executives and policymakers from across the world, offering Nigeria a strategic platform to engage partners on access to modern aircraft, balance-sheet optimisation for airlines and long-term sector development.

Part of the statement read: “the Minister’s delegation comprises key industry leaders and regulators, including the Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo; Director, Air Traffic Management, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ahmed Tijani; and prominent airline chief executives such as Toyin Olajide (Air Peace), Dr. Obiora Okonkwo (United Nigeria Airlines), and Mr. George Urensi (Ibom Air), among other stakeholders.

“For the second successive year, the Nigerian contingent stole the spotlight at the conference, with participants recalling the Minister’s heroic performance and compelling oratory presentation at last year’s edition. This year’s engagement further reinforced Nigeria’s growing influence and credibility within the global aviation financing community.”

The statement noted that Nigeria’s aviation reform agenda gained added traction on the second day of the conference, when Keyamo led discussions with Aercap, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company. The Aercap delegation was headed by its Chief Executive Officer, Angus Kelly.

“Nigeria’s aviation transformation agenda gained further momentum on Day Two of the conference when the Honourable Minister led the delegation in a pivotal strategic meeting with Aercap, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company. The Aercap team was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Angus Kelly.

“Discussions focused on building a long-term strategic partnership aligned with Nigeria’s fleet modernisation objectives and the urgent need to strengthen operational capacity among Nigerian airline operators. The engagement explored innovative leasing solutions, flexible financing structures, and practical pathways for fleet renewal to support Nigerian airlines’ access to modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.”

According to the statement, these steps are critical to improving efficiency, strengthening safety standards, lowering operating costs and positioning Nigerian airlines to compete more effectively on both regional and international routes.

The minister and his delegation also held separate high-level talks with Afreximbank, led by Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Kanayo Awani, alongside Helen Brume, Director and Global Head of Project and Asset-Based Finance.

“The meeting reinforced Nigeria’s strategic intent to deepen aviation finance partnerships and leverage Afreximbank’s catalytic role in supporting African carriers through structured financing, trade-enabling instruments, and risk-mitigation solutions.

“Discussions underscored a shared commitment to a collaborative government–industry approach that places aviation at the centre of economic growth, regional integration, and intra-African trade. Particular emphasis was placed on fleet development, airline sustainability, and the creation of financing frameworks capable of unlocking long-term value for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.”

The statement added that through these engagements, the minister is advancing a proactive, market-oriented aviation diplomacy aimed at keeping Nigeria attractive to global lessors, financiers and investors, while strengthening the safety, competitiveness and sustainability of the country’s aviation sector.