Stories By Chinedu Eze
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is currently leading a high-powered Nigerian delegation on a four-day bilateral working visit to France.
The Minister is accompanied by Chief Executive Officers and directors from various Nigerian aviation agencies, including the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Acting Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Umar Farouk.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Mishood, stated that the bilateral business meeting commenced Tuesday with Keyamo meeting with the Director General of the French Civil Aviation, Damien Caze, and his team.
The statement said Keyamo presented a compelling roadmap for the Nigerian aviation industry, emphasising the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and inviting private investors to participate in this endeavour.
During the session, stakeholders from the Nigerian delegation, including MDs of FAAN and NAMA, as well as the Acting DG of NCAA, delivered insightful presentations on topics ranging from aircraft financing and insurance to the modernization of navigational equipment and capacity building initiatives.
The French aviation stakeholders, including PROAVIA, ASTech Paris Region, and BPI France, expressed keen interest in partnering with Nigeria, acknowledging the country’s vast potential in the aviation industry.
Vice President of AerCap, Gad Wavomba, also pledged to explore business opportunities with Nigeria, citing the country’s attractiveness for investment.
Other stakeholders who added their voices were the Managing Director of Skypower Handling Company (SAHCO), Mrs. Adenike Aboderin spoke on the economic potential of partnering with the Nigerian Cargo business while the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi threw more light on aircraft leasing and the benefits of investing in the giant of Africa.
