The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo , is leading a distinguished Nigerian delegation on a four-day Nigeria-France Bilateral Business Forum in France.
The primary objective is to strengthen cooperation and attract private sector investment from France to enhance Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
During the forum, Minister Keyamo and the Nigerian delegation presented a comprehensive roadmap for the aviation industry to Damien Caze, the French Civil Aviation Director General, and other key aviation stakeholders in Paris.
The discussions focused on various aspects, including infrastructure improvement, collaborations in areas such as aircraft financing and insurance, modernization of navigational equipment, and capacity-building initiatives.
The Nigerian delegation accompanying the Aviation Minister includes CEOs and directors from crucial aviation agencies, such as Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku of FAAN, Capt. Chris Najomo of NCAA, and Engr. Faruk Umar of NAMA, alongside stakeholders from Nigeria’s private aviation sector. Adenike Aboderin, Managing Director of SAHCO, emphasized the economic potential of engaging with Nigeria’s Cargo business, while Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi, highlighted the advantages of aircraft leasing and investing in Nigeria.
French aviation stakeholders, including PROAVIA, ASTech Paris Region, and BPI France, expressed a strong interest in forming partnerships with Nigeria, recognizing its significant potential in the aviation sector. Gad Wavomba, Vice President of AerCap, committed to exploring business opportunities in Nigeria, emphasizing its investment appeal.
As part of the business exploration, the Nigerian delegation will visit Marseille, Toulouse, and Orly to explore opportunities for French private sector investment in Nigeria’s aviation industry. In Toulouse, the delegation will visit the Airbus headquarters, and the visit will conclude in Orly with an audience with the management of Thales.
Minister Keyamo expressed optimism about the outcomes of the visit, stating, “We are confident that this bilateral engagement will pave the way for fruitful collaborations and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation industry.”
Notable participants in the forum include Emmanuel Fubara (SAN), Chairman of Bristow Helicopters; George Uriesi, MD of Ibom Air; Seinde Fadeni Folorunsho, Chairman of NAHCO; Oluwatoyin Olajide, COO of Airpeace; Osholowu Gbolahan, MD of Kasi Healthcare Helicopters; Shettima Kashim Bukar, Chairman and CEO of SkyJet Aviation and Barbidos Group; Iza Emmanuel Abuya, Managing Director of XJet Aviation; Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, Chairman of Azman Air; Gaya Kabiru, Managing Director of NG Eagle; and Afolabi Babawande, Founder/CEO of Green Africa, among others.
