Nigeria’s aviation sector is poised for a significant investment push as the Federal Government plans to develop aerotropolises in major cities and host global aircraft lessors, financiers, and airline operators for strategic business discussions.

The initiative, themed Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit, comes as the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, described 2026 as a pivotal year for the industry in a pre-summit video message on Sunday.

Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the initiative seeks to establish Nigeria as West Africa’s aviation hub and create long-term financing opportunities for domestic airlines.

Achimugu said, “Remember when I said 2026 would be the best year ever for Nigeria’s aviation industry? The time has come. We are bringing the biggest global players; aircraft lessors, banks, financiers, and investors to sit directly with Nigerian operators and businesses within the aviation ecosystem.”

The summit is set to draw top aircraft leasing firms, global financial institutions, and aviation investors looking to tap into Nigeria’s rapidly expanding air transport sector.

In 2025, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led a delegation to the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, as part of the government’s broader strategy to reposition Nigeria’s aviation sector through international partnerships and investment opportunities.

The global conference, which brings together leading aircraft lessors, financiers, airline executives, and aviation policymakers, provided Nigeria with a strategic platform to engage directly with key global industry players.

The discussions revolved around fleet modernization, expanding access to competitive aircraft financing, and building sustainable operational frameworks to support the long-term development of Nigerian airlines.

According to minister, the summit comes after months of negotiations with international aviation companies looking to expand their operations into Nigeria.

He said, “I reported back to Mr President and Nigerians that discussions were ongoing with major global aviation brands eager to do business here. Nigeria remains one of the most viable aviation markets in the world, and many investors have been asking for an opportunity to come in.”

He stated that the government’s role is to provide a credible platform where foreign investors and local operators can engage directly, forge partnerships, and access financing solutions for aircraft acquisition.

However, Achimugu noted that, beyond aircraft financing, the summit represents the launch of the minister’s vision to integrate airports with commercial cities, logistics hubs, and industrial clusters.

He added that the initiative will transform major airports into economic centers, driving trade, tourism, cargo operations, and employment opportunities.