The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has partnered with the Ministry of Interior as a key stakeholder in preparations ahead of the first Nigeria International Air Show scheduled to hold in December 2025.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, stated this during a courtesy visit to the office of the Minister of Interior in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The visit was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Odutayo Oluseyi.
Dr. Kana stated that following internal deliberations, it was resolved that hosting a successful International Air Show would require collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, recognizing the critical role of Border control and national security, in facilitating the smooth entry and safe arrival of all participants, including international participants and exhibitors.
Numerous marketers, investors, and aviation stakeholders are expected to attend worldwide.
Agencies under the Ministry of Interior, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Federal Road Safety Corps, will play vital roles in visa facilitation, public security, and traffic management, respectively.
Dr. Kana also revealed that after considering Lagos, Abuja, and Uyo International Airports as potential venues, Abuja was selected for its strategic location and accessibility.
He informed the meeting of the possibility that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be in attendance.
He further disclosed that invitations would be extended to civil aviation authorities across the globe, and that the Nigerian Air Force and Air Traffic Controllers would be fully engaged to ensure a seamless air show.
Dr. Kana further stated that the Federal Government is committed to delivering a world-class international air show that will promote Nigeria’s aviation sector and attract global industry stakeholders.
While responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalena Ajani, who received the delegation on behalf of the Minister of Interior, welcomed the initiative and pledged full support of her ministry for the smooth conduct of the Air Show.
She noted that the online visa application system will be optimized for easy access to visitors attending the air show. She also emphasized the need for structured collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other agencies under the ministry to define their specific roles.
Also speaking, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, emphasized the need to receive an estimated number of expected visitors to enable NIS to tailor a visa issuance process that minimizes the need for online applications on an individual basis. She assured the Ministry of Immigration’s full support and participation in the program.
The representative of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Oladele Yusuf, assured Nigerians that the Air Force is fully committed to supporting the air show.
He disclosed that a technical subcommittee is already working and will report to the main planning committee to promptly address emerging issues.
Engineer Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), affirmed that the Authority is ready to support the program by providing necessary authorizations and regulatory guidance to ensure the event’s success.