The Aviation Working Group (AWG) has ranked Nigeria as the leading country in Africa for Ease of Doing Business in the aviation sector.
This was revealed by the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja.
Keyamo highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to aligning with international aviation standards, particularly its efforts to fully comply with the Cape Town Convention on aircraft dry-leasing. As a result, the AWG—co-chaired by Boeing and Airbus—adjusted Nigeria’s global compliance rating from 49.5% to 70.5%, marking a significant improvement in the country’s aviation sector standing.
PRESS RELEASE
NIGERIA ACHIEVES MAJOR MILESTONES IN AVIATION SECTOR, RATED NUMBER ONE IN AFRICA IN COMPLIANCE WITH GLOBAL STANDARDS. – Keyamo
Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON FCIArb (UK) has announced significant achievements in… pic.twitter.com/dgjtGsexc5
— Fed Min of Info & Nat’l Orien (@FMINONigeria) March 14, 2025
The signing of the administrative rules governing aircraft repossession by creditors and lessors, known as the irrevocable de-registration and export request authorisation (IDERA), within 24 hours, increased Nigeria’s first score on the Cape Town Convention index from 70.5% to 75.5%.
While reeling out some of the achievements recorded under his leadership, Keyamo said the aviation sector is transforming from different angles and pointed out that the present administration has expanded the aviation industry beyond the country.
”The recent engagement with Boeing Airline, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), has been signed, paving the way for the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.
“According to Keyamo, this development is expected to boost the nation’s aviation maintenance capacity, reduce operational costs for airlines, and create employment opportunities for local aviation professionals and the Nigerian youths.”
While expressing the government’s vision to expand and improve aviation infrastructure, Keyamo said the Borno Airport has been upgraded to a full-fledged international airport, enhancing connectivity and economic development in the northeastern region of Nigeria.
Similarly, through a public-private partnership and with interagency cooperation with the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Arrival Hall at Lagos International Airport’s Wing E has been remodelled, resulting in a state-of-the-art facility that elevates passenger experience.
He added that the government is also putting measures on the ground to support the local airlines, especially the Flight Nigeria Act, which, if accepted into law, would boost the country’s economy.
He informed the audience that the Ministry is set to push the Fly Nigeria Act to the National Assembly, stating that, once passed into law, it will prioritise Nigerian airlines for government-sponsored air travel, thereby boosting the local aviation industry and ensuring sustainability for indigenous carriers, which is in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The Minister further assured Nigerians that the present administration is committed to the safety and security of passengers across all the nation’s airports.
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