Nigeria’s aviation industry must undergo urgent and far-reaching reforms, backed by innovative financing models and strategic collaborations, if it is to remain competitive in today’s tough global economy. This was the resounding message at the 29th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), held at the prestigious Providence Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
With the theme “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: Risks, Opportunities, and Prospects,” the high-profile event drew a powerhouse line-up of industry leaders, from government officials and regulators to airline CEOs and aviation financiers. Stakeholders united around one key objective: finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s chronic funding shortages, aging infrastructure, and operational inefficiencies that have long stunted the sector’s growth.
A major highlight of the day was the Champions of Aviation Development Award presented to Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Capt. Najomo was celebrated for his steadfast commitment to effective aviation oversight and regulation, qualities that have strengthened safety and operational standards across Nigeria’s airspace.
The conference attracted prominent figures, including Mr. Micheal Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection; Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), represented by Director of Finance and Account, Mr. Ayodele Olatiregun; and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria.
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Also in attendance were Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, MD/CEO of CITA Energies Ltd; Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace; Capt. Roland Iyayi, CEO of Top Brass Aviation Ltd; Mr. Remi Jibodu, COO of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2); and Mr. Chris Aligbe, CEO of Belujane Konzult, among other key industry players.
For the LAAC — the foremost media body dedicated to aviation reporting — the event was another milestone in its mission to spotlight sector challenges and push for sustainable reforms. The NCAA, which operates under the Civil Aviation Act of 2006, remains the driving force behind Nigeria’s aviation regulations, ensuring the sector maintains safety, reliability, and global best practices.
As discussions wrapped up, the consensus was clear: Nigeria’s aviation industry stands at a crossroads. Without bold reforms, creative financing solutions, and stronger collaborations between the public and private sectors, the nation risks falling further behind in the global aviation race. With the momentum from LAAC 2025, stakeholders hope these conversations will translate into actionable policies that can transform Nigeria’s air transport system into a thriving, world-class hub.
