Trending 
Nigeria has been ranked as the leading country in Africa for Ease of Doing Business in the aviation sector, according to the Aviation Working Group (AWG). This recognition was announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja.
Keyamo highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to aligning with international aviation standards, particularly focusing on the Cape Town Convention on aircraft dry-leasing. As a result of these efforts, the AWG, co-chaired by Boeing and Airbus, increased Nigeria’s global compliance rating from 49.5% to 70.5%, a remarkable improvement in the country’s aviation sector standing.
The minister further detailed Nigeria’s progress, noting the signing of the irrevocable de-registration and export request authorisation (IDERA) administrative rules. This achievement, which allows for the swift repossession of aircraft by creditors and lessors within 24 hours, pushed Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention compliance score up to 75.5%.
Keyamo praised the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s aviation industry, emphasizing that the current administration has expanded the sector’s reach beyond the nation’s borders. A key milestone in this development was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing, which sets the stage for the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria. This move is expected to boost the country’s aviation maintenance capabilities, reduce operational costs for airlines, and create jobs for local aviation professionals and Nigerian youth.
In addition to these developments, Keyamo highlighted the expansion of Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, such as the upgrade of Borno Airport to a full-fledged international airport. This expansion will enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the northeastern region.
Through a public-private partnership, the Arrival Hall at Lagos International Airport’s Wing E has also been remodelled, providing a state-of-the-art facility to improve the passenger experience.
Furthermore, the government is focusing on supporting local airlines with the introduction of the Flight Nigeria Act. If passed into law, the Act will prioritise Nigerian airlines for government-sponsored air travel, boosting the domestic aviation industry and ensuring sustainability for local carriers, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Keyamo concluded by assuring Nigerians that the current administration is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of passengers at all Nigerian airports, further solidifying the country’s position as an aviation leader in Africa.
