Nigeria has formally declared its readiness to host the 2026 Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition after a high-level delegation from ACI Africa visited the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja. The confirmation followed an early assessment mission led by the Secretary-General of ACI Africa, Alli Tounsi, as part of preparations for the major continental aviation event scheduled for September 2026.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, on Monday. The visit marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its position in the global aviation sector and attract more international engagements. It also shows growing confidence in the country’s aviation infrastructure and regulatory reforms.
Airports Council International is the global trade association representing airports worldwide. The organisation plays a major role in promoting safe operations, efficient airport management, and stronger collaboration among aviation stakeholders. Hosting the 2026 conference gives Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its improvements in airport operations, safety, and commercial aviation development.
In the statement, Moshood explained that the ACI Africa team was accompanied by top officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Those present included the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire; and the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Mrs Adebola Agunbiade. Their presence signalled FAAN’s commitment to supporting the successful hosting of the conference.
During the meeting, Alli Tounsi emphasised Nigeria’s important role in the African aviation landscape. She said the country’s size, aviation capacity, and leadership influence made it a natural choice for the 2026 edition of the conference. According to her, Nigeria has continued to show strong commitment to improved airport standards and regional aviation development.
Tounsi described the hosting rights as well-deserved, noting Nigeria’s significant aviation footprint and long-standing contributions to the growth of the aviation industry in Africa. She added that the presence of other aviation bodies in Nigeria further strengthened the case for the country to host the upcoming event. “Nigeria must host this next Acrobatics Regional Conference. BAGASSO is already in Nigeria, and it is only right that ACI Africa is here too,” she said.
In his reaction, Festus Keyamo welcomed the decision and assured ACI Africa that Nigeria was fully prepared to deliver a world-class conference. He said the country has the capacity, facilities, and expertise to host global aviation stakeholders successfully in 2026.
“We accept wholeheartedly to host. Nigeria has the capacity, the infrastructure, and the commitment to deliver a world-class conference. You can count on us,” he said. Keyamo added that the event would further support government efforts to position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
The minister also noted that Nigeria’s ongoing investments in airport infrastructure, safety upgrades, and modern navigation systems are well-aligned with global expectations. He said hosting the ACI Africa conference would give the country another opportunity to deepen engagement with international partners and showcase newly completed or upgraded facilities.
The 2026 ACI Africa Regional Conference is expected to attract aviation ministers, airport CEOs, civil aviation authorities, global investors, regulators, and aviation technology providers from across the world. The event will feature discussions on airport management, air transport growth, security, safety, environmental standards, and the future of aviation in Africa. It will also provide a platform for Nigeria to highlight its long-term aviation reform agenda and promote investment opportunities across its airports.
Nigeria has hosted several aviation-related events in recent years as part of its push to modernise the sector. The confirmation from ACI Africa reinforces confidence that the reforms are beginning to yield positive recognition globally. With preparations now underway, attention will turn to infrastructure readiness, stakeholder coordination, and the rollout of event logistics ahead of September 2026.
