The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria will host its first-ever International Air Show in December 2025. The event, which is scheduled to take place in Abuja, is expected to position Nigeria as a key player in the global aviation industry and create opportunities for international collaboration, investment, and tourism.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, made the announcement in a statement released in Abuja. He explained that the event would feature participation from civil aviation authorities, aviation marketers, investors, and other key stakeholders from around the world. Dr. Kana said the initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to boost the aviation sector, create jobs, and attract foreign direct investment.
According to him, the air show will involve full participation of the Nigeria Air Force and the nation’s Air Traffic Controllers to ensure seamless airspace management and display coordination throughout the event. Dr. Kana emphasized that the event would require high-level collaboration between the Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Interior to handle expected influxes of international visitors.
“This air show is not just about aviation display; it is about showcasing Nigeria’s capacity in aviation, logistics, and security coordination. We are working closely with the Ministry of Interior to ensure that visa processes, security, and other logistical arrangements are efficiently managed,” Kana stated.
The Ministry of Interior, under the leadership of its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalena Ajani, expressed readiness to support the aviation ministry in ensuring a smooth experience for all participants. Dr. Ajani assured that the country’s online visa application system would be optimized to simplify visa processing for international guests attending the air show.
Similarly, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, stressed the importance of data-sharing between agencies to prepare adequately for the event. She said that knowing the number of expected visitors would enable the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to streamline visa issuance, including possibly reducing the need for individual applications in some cases.
The Federal Government selected Abuja as the host city due to its strategic location and accessibility. The capital city’s central position in the country makes it ideal for accommodating both domestic and international participants with ease. Dr. Kana also hinted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is likely to attend the event, signaling the administration’s commitment to making the air show a world-class gathering.
The Nigerian Air Force has pledged full support to the success of the air show. According to the government, a technical subcommittee comprising aviation experts, military officials, and regulatory agencies has already commenced work to address all emerging issues that could affect the show’s planning and execution.
Additionally, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has committed to providing the necessary regulatory guidance and authorizations to ensure that the event meets international standards. The NCAA said safety, compliance, and operational excellence will remain top priorities throughout the show.
The International Air Show is expected to promote Nigeria’s aviation industry, attract global stakeholders, and foster new business opportunities in aircraft manufacturing, aviation services, and airspace management. It will also provide a platform for Nigeria to showcase its aviation infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and potential as a West African aviation hub.
This development comes at a time when Nigeria’s aviation sector is experiencing increased attention, with the Federal Government initiating various policies to reposition the industry for growth. Experts believe that hosting an international air show could help boost confidence in Nigeria’s airspace, encourage public-private partnerships, and elevate the country’s profile in the global aviation community.
Dr. Kana reaffirmed that all relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigeria Air Force, are collaborating to ensure a successful and secure event.
The government also believes that the air show will complement existing efforts to promote tourism, enhance foreign investment inflow, and drive economic diversification through the aviation sector.
With preparations underway and stakeholder engagements intensifying, the 2025 International Air Show is projected to be a landmark event in Nigeria’s aviation history, placing the country on the global aviation map.
