• Super Admin
• 07 Mar, 2026

April Lagos summit aims to bridge aircraft capacity gap, attract global financiers, and expand Nigeria's aviation infrastructure..... The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Festus Keyamo, is set to host the inaugural Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS) on April 1-2, 2026, in Lagos, signalling a strategic push to transform the nation's aviation financing and infrastructure landscape. According to Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the minister, the summit will convene international aircraft lessors, global aviation financiers, airline operators, airport concessionaires, policymakers, and institutional investors. Participants will explore opportunities for aircraft acquisition, infrastructure investment, and financing solutions tailored to the Nigerian market. Nigeria: A Growing but Underserved Aviation Market "Africa is projected to be the fastest-growing aviation region globally, with passenger traffic expected to grow by around 6% annually through 2044," Moshood said. "Within this trajectory, Nigeria is a natural anchor market for long-term aviation and airport infrastructure expansion." Despite its population of over 220 million, Nigeria currently supports only 15-16 million annual air passengers, with projections estimating growth to 25.7 million passengers by 2029. The country operates about 1.16 million scheduled airline seats per month, ranking fifth in Africa by seat capacity -- well behind Egypt (2.98 million), South Africa (2.60 million), and Morocco (2.03 million), despite Nigeria's far larger population. "These figures indicate a structural capacity shortfall rather than a lack of demand, offering significant potential for fleet expansion and airport development," Moshood noted. Summit to Close Nigeria's Aircraft Capacity Gap The summit will address Nigeria's aircraft capacity deficit, projected to be a key driver in Africa's need for more than 1,600 new aircraft deliveries between 2025 and 2044. Nigeria is expected to account for a substantial share of this demand, reflecting both passenger growth and fleet replacement needs. The event aims to: "The summit represents a deliberate policy shift toward structured engagement with international capital markets and aircraft leasing institutions," Moshood said. "This ensures that Nigerian carriers gain improved access to competitive aircraft financing while positioning the country as a secure and bankable aviation investment destination." By directly connecting global investors, regulators, and local operators, the NAAIS seeks to unlock the next phase of aviation-led economic growth and bridge Nigeria's aircraft capacity gap, solidifying the nation's role as a regional aviation hub in West Africa. Source: https://www.tv360nigeria.com/nigeria-to-host-maiden-aircraft-acquisition-and-investment-summit-as-aviation-sector-eyes-major-growth/