Thursday July 17, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to host Nigeria’s first-ever International Air Show, which is scheduled to take place in Abuja in December 2025, The PUNCH reported.
Permanent Secretary of the Aviation Ministry, Ibrahim Kana, made this known in a statement on Thursday, July 17.
Kana said, “Following internal deliberations, it was resolved that hosting a successful International Air Show would require collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, recognising the critical role of border control and national security, in facilitating the smooth entry and safe Abuja for all participants including international participants and exhibitors.”
He noted that agencies under the Interior Ministry, such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Corps, are vital to the success of the event due to their respective roles in visa facilitation, civilian security, and traffic management.
With an influx of international marketers, investors, and aviation stakeholders expected, Kana emphasised the need for seamless coordination, especially around visa and security operations.
He also disclosed that after evaluating Lagos, Abuja, and Uyo international airports as potential venues, Abuja was selected due to its “strategic location and accessibility.”
He further hinted at the possibility of President Bola Tinubu attending the show.
The event is expected to feature wide international participation.
Kana said, “Invitations would be extended to civil aviation authorities across the globe, and that the Nigeria Air Force and Air Traffic Controllers will be fully engaged to ensure a seamless air show.”
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to global standards, he said, “Federal Government is commitment to delivering a world-class international air show that will promote Nigeria’s aviation sector and attract global industry stakeholders.”
Receiving the Aviation Ministry’s delegation, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalena Ajani, who stood in for the Interior Minister, welcomed the collaboration and assured them of full support.
She revealed that “the online visa application system will be optimised for ease of access for visitors attending the air show.”
She also emphasised the importance of a clearly defined operational framework, saying there is “need for structured collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other agencies under the ministry to define their specific roles.”
In her remarks, Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, highlighted the importance of data-sharing and projections. She said, “there’s need to receive an estimated number of expected visitors to enable NIS tailor a visa issuance process that minimizes the need for online applications on an individual basis.” She also pledged the NIS’s “full support and participation in the program.”
Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Oladele Yusuf, who represented the Nigerian Air Force, declared the Air Force’s unwavering support, stating that “the Air Force is fully committed to supporting the air show.”
He added that “a technical sub-committee is already working and will report to the main planning committee to promptly address emerging issues.”
On the part of regulatory readiness, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Godwin Balang, assured that the Authority would offer all needed regulatory oversight.
He said, “The Authority is ready to support the program by providing necessary authorizations and regulatory guidance to ensure the event’s success.”
