The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development staged Nigeria's first International Airshow from 2 to 4 December 2025 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, an event Minister Festus Keyamo described as the country's most ambitious step yet toward becoming a continental aviation hub. Held on the airport's general aviation apron, the three-day event combined aerial displays with conference sessions and an exhibition area bringing together commercial and business aviation operators, original equipment manufacturers, air forces, regulators and investors.
Manufacturers and a National Carrier on Display
Confirmed exhibitors included Textron Aviation, Leonardo Agusta, AVIC-KDN Airport Engineering and Chinese manufacturer COMAC, alongside Nigerian carrier Arik Air, which used the show to reinforce its market position after resuming full operations the previous year. Organisers said the event was designed to demonstrate Nigeria's aviation capability, attract new investment, and open the door to defence and commercial partnerships, building on momentum from an earlier 2024 announcement by Keyamo that Nigeria would host the continent's next major aviation showcase.
While attendance on the ground was modest for a debut edition, the airshow was widely described by officials and industry observers as a symbolic milestone for a sector that had spent the preceding years working to rebuild airline fleets, resolve trapped foreign-exchange revenue with international carriers, and restore Nigeria's standing with global aircraft lessors.
