Wike pledges support for Nigeria’s first international airshow

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has solicited the support of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to host Nigeria’s first-ever International Airshow in Abuja, scheduled for December 2 to 4, 2025.

Keyamo, who led a delegation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, explained that the airshow is part of activities marking 100 years of aviation in the country.

He said the ministry decided to formally notify the FCT Minister because Abuja, being the host city, would receive distinguished international guests and corporate delegations.

The minister, therefore, sought the FCT Administration’s support in logistics, publicity, security, and tourism promotion to ensure the event’s success.

He requested the use of CNG buses, commuter vehicles, and possibly the FCT train service to convey delegates to the airport venue.

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Keyamo also sought approval to use billboards across the city, partner with Aso Radio and Aso TV for awareness campaigns, and deploy waste management and emergency services throughout the duration of the event.

He explained that the airshow would be a landmark global event featuring major players in the international aviation industry. He added that countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates host similar events annually, making it imperative for Nigeria to join the league.

He noted that the Nigerian Air Force is the ministry’s major partner and collaborator in the initiative, adding that the airshow would showcase Nigeria’s aviation growth and open new doors for tourism, trade, and foreign investment.

According to him, “From the first aircraft landing in Nigeria in 1925 till now, this year marks a century of aviation in our country. As part of this centenary celebration, we are partnering with a private company and the Nigerian Air Force to deliver a world-class event that will attract global attention.”

Responding, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, pledged the Administration’s full cooperation, describing the initiative as a “very major global event” that would further project Abuja’s image as a tourism and investment hub.

Wike assured that he would personally attend the opening ceremony to endorse the show and directed that relevant FCT departments collaborate with the aviation ministry to provide necessary support.

However, he stressed that while the FCT would assist in areas such as transport, publicity, sanitation, and security, the organizers must not expect everything to be free. “Everything cannot be free, free, free — that’s the problem Nigeria has,” he said pointedly.

The minister directed the organizers to liaise with the Transport Secretariat for logistics, the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) for outdoor advertising, and Aso Radio/TV management for media promotions, while the Director of Security would coordinate security arrangements.

He also pledged the involvement of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) to ensure environmental cleanliness along the airport corridor before and during the event.

While noting that the FCT had already invested heavily in infrastructure around the airport, including the dualized airport road leading to the airshow venue, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the Nigeria International Airshow 2025 becomes a landmark success that firmly places Abuja on the global aviation map.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE