The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has called on stakeholders in the aviation industry to intentionally identify, nurture, and harvest young talents as a strategy for ensuring sustainable manpower supply for the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Keyamo made this call through a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). This was during the Grand Finale of the 14th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2025) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Seminar, which took place in Lagos.
The event, which brought together aspiring aviation professionals, educators, and sector leaders, was themed “Navigating Career Entry Challenges to Secure the Future”. It focused on bridging the gap between youth ambition and sectoral manpower shortages, particularly as the industry faces an ageing workforce and an insufficient pipeline of young skilled professionals.
Keyamo, in his address, stated: “As a globally regulated sector, it is important that stakeholders put measures in place to continually attract the right quality and quantity of human resources required to move the industry forward. It is important to note that programmes such as this are avenues through which we can breed, nurture, and harvest such human resources. Travel and Business News is doing a great job in this regard and deserves accolades.”
The Minister pointed out that the aviation sector is currently confronted with the challenge of an ageing and retiring workforce, which is already creating knowledge gaps and affecting operational efficiency. According to him, without strategic and structured youth involvement, the future of the industry could be jeopardised.
He highlighted that initiatives like NTEC are vital to securing the future of the aviation industry by creating awareness, interest, and opportunities for the youth. Keyamo added that there needs to be a long-term national plan to develop skilled aviation professionals who can meet international standards.
The National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC), founded in 2009 by Mr. Ewos Iroro, was created to encourage young Nigerians to pursue careers in aviation, travel, and tourism. Over the years, the initiative has become a respected talent discovery platform that promotes youth empowerment and contributes to industry development.
Speaking at the event, Iroro noted: “NTEC has raised many young talents who are now working in various fields of aviation. Just a few days ago, one of our past winners, Miss Adeola Peace, who graduated from Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School, Ikeja, received her Master’s Degree as an Aeronautical Engineer. This shows the impact and long-term value of the competition.”
He stressed the importance of giving young people a platform to learn about aviation early, so they can choose and prepare for their career paths. According to him, the sector needs more targeted youth interventions to combat rising brain drain and skill shortages.
Participants at the event, including students from secondary schools, aviation trainees, and young professionals, were exposed to career guidance, mentorship opportunities, and interactive sessions with industry experts from different fields such as air traffic control, aeronautical engineering, aviation law, airline management, and airport operations.
The event also featured essay presentations by finalists, with winners receiving certificates, mentorship opportunities, educational scholarships, and internships to further inspire their journey in aviation.
Stakeholders present at the event agreed that intentional policies and programmes must be put in place to address human capital needs in the aviation sector, especially in light of Nigeria’s efforts to expand its domestic aviation infrastructure and attract foreign investment.
They also stressed the need for consistent government support, funding, and regulatory reforms to make aviation-related education and training more accessible to Nigerian youth, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
With increasing interest in aerospace, drone technology, aircraft maintenance, and digital transformation in air transport, the role of youth in shaping the future of aviation in Nigeria is more important than ever.
Industry leaders called for a national aviation human capital development roadmap, with clear pathways from secondary education through to specialised aviation training, as well as stronger public-private partnerships to support such goals.
The NTEC platform, now in its 14th year, continues to prove that early exposure to the aviation industry not only builds career ambition but also contributes to building a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive aviation workforce for Nigeria’s future.
