The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), on Friday described aviation as a bridge for national socio-economic inclusion and a catalyst for regional trade integration.
Keyamo also described aviation as the main gateway for global trade.
He made the remarks at the 14th edition of the Nigeria Aviation Awards and Ministerial Dinner (NIGAV) on Friday night in Lagos.
According to Keyamo, aviation is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Nigeria and a primary catalyst for economic transformation.
Keyamo was represented by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo.
“This industry not only builds the bridge for national social and economic inclusion but also plays a significant role in regional trade integration and serves as the main gateway for global trade.
“Aviation is key for the African Continental Free Trade Areas initiative, where Nigeria is expected to lead.
“This administration understands and appreciates the importance of this sector in fast-tracking development, and has begun to empower the industry by investing heavily in infrastructure to give it a safe backbone to operate, and encouraging public private partnerships.
“We are pushing this vigorously by initiating a fact-based planning programme that will help the industry to succeed sustainably and guarantee a return on investment,” he said.
Commending the organizer of the awards, Keyamo expressed hope that, at the end of 2025, the performance of the aviation industry would surpass what had been previously recorded, increasing stability, travel confidence and industry growth.
In his address of welcome, the Convener of the event, Mr Fortune Idu, said that the awards had overtime fostered industry harmony and encouraged healthy competition for safer and sustainable air transport service delivery.
Idu added that the awards served as a hallmark of inspiration and motivation within the industry and acknowledged exceptional contributions.
He said that since inception, over 400 persons had received the NIGAV awards in various categories encompassing all aspects of air transport.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that industry captains and other players in the aviation ecosystem were present at the event.
