Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development is currently leading a high-powered Nigerian delegation on a 4-day bilateral working visit to France. This visit, tagged the Nigeria France Bilateral Business Forum, aims to strengthen cooperation and explore business opportunities in the aviation sector between both nations.
Accompanied by CEOs and directors from various Nigerian aviation agencies, including Olubunmi Kuku, MD of FAAN, Chris Najomo, acting Director General of NCAA, and Faruk Umar of NAMA, the delegation embarked on a thorough aviation business exploration across key cities including Paris, Marseille, Toulouse, and Orly.
The bilateral business meeting commenced on Tuesday, with Keyamo meeting with the Director General of the French Civil Aviation, Damien Caze, and his team.
Keyamo presented a roadmap for the Nigerian aviation industry, emphasising the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and inviting private investors to participate in this endeavour.
During the session, stakeholders from the Nigerian delegation, including MDs of FAAN and NAMA, as well as the acting DG of NCAA, delivered presentations on topics ranging from aircraft financing and insurance to the modernization of navigational equipment and capacity building initiatives.
The French aviation stakeholders, including PROAVIA, ASTech Paris Region, and BPI France, expressed keen interest in partnering with Nigeria, acknowledging the country’s vast potential in the aviation industry. Vice President of AerCap, Gad Wavomba, also pledged to explore business opportunities with Nigeria, citing the country’s attractiveness for investment.
Other stakeholders who added their voices are Adenike Aboderin, the MD of SAHCO, who spoke on the economic potentials of partnering with the Nigerian Cargo business while Ado Sanusi, the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, also threw more light on aircraft leasing and the benefits of investing in the giant of Africa, a country of 240m people reputed to be Africa’s commercial nerves.
The Nigerian delegation includes prominent figures from the aviation sector such as Emmanuel Fubara, Chairman of Bristow Helicopters, George Urensi, MD of Ibom Air, and Ado Sanusi, Chairman of Aero Contractors, among others.
