Aviation sector fastest growing – Perm. Sec.
L-R: Adebote James of Arik Air Cabin Crew and Blossom Ubani of Ibom Air Cabin Crew Crowned as King and Queen of the Air 2026 at the Nigeria Aviation Awards and Ministerial Dinner on Friday
Lagos, April 2026 (TBL Africa) The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Mahmud Kambari, has described aviation as one of the fastest-growing sectors in Nigeria, serving as a primary catalyst for economic transformation.
Kambari said this at the 15th edition of the Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Award and Ministerial Dinner held on Friday in Lagos on Friday night.
According to him, aviation not only builds bridges to national, social and economic inclusion, but also plays a significant role in regional trade integration and serves as the main gateway to global trade.
He added that aviation was key to the African Continental Free Trade Area Initiative, where Nigeria was being expected to lead.
He said that the current administration in Nigeria understood and appreciated the importance of the aviation sector in accelerating development.
He said that the administration had begun investing heavily in infrastructure and encouraging public/private partnerships in the sector.
Highlighting the importance of the event, Kambari said that, hopefully, at the end of 2026, aviation performance would surpass targets and earn astronomical aviation/aerospace sector growth.
“This aspiration will require collective effort and commitment. I genuinely solicit from everyone in the industry to join hands to deliver a prosperous sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“This administration believes that industry growth and sustainability are anchored in the excellent performance of every team member in the sector, and that is what this occasion is about.
“This year’s theme, Aviation Industry Rebirth, reflects renewed hope for the industry as we celebrate significant progress, including the consolidation of aircraft leasing,” he said.
Kambari commended the Convener of the awards, Mr Fortune Idu, for putting the programme together to recognise industry players.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the current state of the industry as a renewed trajectory defined by results.
The NCAA chief highlighted several milestones currently driving the sector’s rebirth, including infrastructure Modernisation, citing the ongoing upgrades at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Najomo also identified regulatory milestones such as the certification of national aerodromes and the consolidation of aircraft leasing frameworks, fleet expansion, intermodal connectivity among others.
“These developments are not accidental. They are the product of deliberate policy direction, strong institutional collaboration, and visionary leadership,” he said.
Najomo reiterated the authority’s core mission in maintaining the highest standards of safety, security and economic viability.
Dr Richard Aisuebeogun, the Co-Chairman, of NIGAV Award Committee, described 2025 as a period of transition and recalibration for the aviation industry.
He said 2025 was marked by policy reforms, infrastructure commitments, and renewed global engagement alongside persistent structural challenges.
Aisuebeogun said despite macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and high operating costs, the sector demonstrated remarkable resilience, with growth in passenger traffic and sustained government investment.
According to him, the outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic considering policy and investment, infrastructure and capacity and market risks,
He said that sustainable growth in 2026 would depend on policy consistency, efficient project execution, cost-reduction strategies and stronger public-private collaboration.
“If these elements are effectively aligned, Nigeria is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a leading aviation hub in Africa,” he said.
Mr Fortune Idu, the Convener of the event, said that the occasion was the most inclusive gathering in the aviation sector, honouring and rewarding outstanding achievements within the industry.
Idu said that the event provided a unique opportunity for the minister of aviation to address stakeholders and industry associates, helping to set agenda for the aviation year.
The awards were given to industry player including airlines, aviation agencies and institutions.
The highpoint of the event was the crowning of the King and Queen of Air.
After a tough competition, Blossom Ubani of Ibom Air and Adebote James of Arik Air were crowned King and Queen of Air, respectively.
The NCAA boss was awarded the Chief Executive Officer of the Year, while NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Micheal Achimugu, won several awards.
The Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), got awards for contributions to the development of the sector.
Mr John Tayo, the Director of Air Traffic Services at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, was also honoured.
Air Peace Ltd. won several awards, among which is the airline with the best lounge, while Arik Air won the best Customer Relations Desk Award.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria was also won honoured with awards.
Other recipients of awards include Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, operators of the Murtala Muhammad Airport Terminal 2; Finchglow Ltd. and Nigeria Meteorological Agency.
The event, with the theme: ” Industry Rebirth” brought together top government officials, aviation regulators and private sector leaders to celebrate excellence and chart a greater path for the nation’s airspace.
NIGAV Awards continues to serve as a benchmark for transparency and cohesion in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, rewarding integrity and inspiring continuous improvement among industry players.
