Aviation Ministry, NAF to host inaugural international airshow

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force, has inaugurated a joint committee to finalise preparations for the maiden edition of the Nigeria International Airshow, scheduled for December 2025.

According to the ministry, this initiative is part of efforts to deepen inter-agency collaboration and strengthen the country’s aerospace talent pipeline.

The move was officially confirmed following a courtesy visit by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, to the Nigerian Air Force headquarters.

Details of the partnership were disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Affairs at the ministry.

Kana expressed gratitude to the NAF for their consistent professionalism and emphasised that the visit aimed to deepen collaboration to ensure the successful hosting of the Airshow.

Highlighting the global nature of airshows, which typically feature both civil and military components, Kana urged the Chief of Air Staff to leverage the NAF’s extensive knowledge and platforms.

He outlined key expectations for the Air Force, including a “spectacular Air Display to showcase Nigeria’s air power” and the performance of a ceremonial parade for the President and visiting government delegations. Kana also extended an invitation to the CAS for an upcoming meeting with all ambassadors to Nigeria, facilitated by the foreign affairs ministry, and noted the Ministry’s successful engagements with foreign airline operators and other stakeholders who have pledged their full cooperation.

The newly formed committee has been tasked with determining the appropriate venue and bringing other key stakeholders on board.

The Airshow is envisioned to feature leading civil and defense aviation companies from around the world, displaying their goods and services. It is anticipated that the event will serve as a platform for business transactions, significantly boosting Nigeria’s economy, culture, and tourism sectors.

In response, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, affirmed the NAF’s readiness and capability to handle the Nigeria Airshow.

He expressed the NAF’s enthusiasm for collaborating with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, recognising the event as a national endeavour that will bring honour to the country and enhance economic viability. Air Marshal Abubakar pledged the full deployment of NAF resources to ensure the Airshow’s success.

“Let the Committee go ahead and decide the venue of the event, work out other modalities; we have credible hands to partner with Ministry of Aviation thus we must do everything possible to ensure the success of the event,” Air Marshal Abubakar stated, emboldening the committee to commence their work immediately and promising all necessary support.

The establishment of this joint committee marks a pivotal step towards realising Nigeria’s first International Airshow, underscoring a strong commitment from both the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Air Force to showcase the nation’s aviation capabilities and foster economic growth.