The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo on Wednesday led a delegation of Chief Executive Officers and Chief Operating Officers of leading Nigerian airlines to the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland for strategic engagements.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Keyamo said that on the delegation were Mrs. Toyin Olajide (Air Peace), Dr. Obiora Okonkwo (United Nigeria Airlines), Mr. George Urensi (Ibom Air), Abdullahi Ahmed (NG Eagle), Kunle Soname together with his MD, Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi (ValueJet), amongst other stakeholders.
Also included were the Director General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director, Air Transport Management in the Ministry, Mr. Ahmed Tijani.
The Minister added that on the sidelines of the conference, the team held a strategic meeting with AERCAP, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Angus Kelly.
According to him, discussions focused on building a long-term strategic partnership aligned with Nigeria’s fleet modernisation objectives and the urgent need to strengthen operational capacity among Nigerian airline operators.
He said: “The engagement explored innovative leasing solutions, flexible financing structures, and practical pathways for fleet renewal to support Nigerian airlines’ access to modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.
These measures are critical to improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety standards, reducing operating costs, and positioning Nigerian carriers to compete more effectively on regional and global routes.
The delegation also held discussions with Afreximbank, led by Ms. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade & Export Development, and Ms. Helen Brume, Director & Global Head, Project & Asset Based Finance.
The meeting reinforced Nigeria’s intent to deepen aviation finance partnerships and leverage Afreximbank’s catalytic role in supporting African carriers through structured financing, trade-enabling instruments, and risk-mitigation solutions.
He explained further that discussions underscored a shared commitment to a collaborative government–industry approach that places aviation at the centre of economic growth, regional integration, and intra-African trade.
Particular emphasis was placed on fleet development, airline sustainability, and the creation of financing frameworks capable of unlocking long-term value for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
He said that the discussions and consultations are still ongoing.
