Nigeria’s aviation industry will take center stage this Thursday as the 29th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) convenes top government officials, economists, financiers, regulators, and aviation experts to deliberate on the pressing issue of aviation financing in the country.
The high-profile event, scheduled to hold in Lagos, is themed: “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities, and Prospects”. It comes at a time when the Nigerian aviation sector faces mounting financial challenges, ranging from inadequate infrastructure funding to high operational costs, forex scarcity, and limited access to credit facilities.
In a statement released by Wole Shadare, Chairman of the LAAC Conference Committee, the League confirmed that renowned economist and Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company, Mr Bismarck Rewane, will deliver a keynote address. Rewane is expected to provide a macroeconomic overview and explore viable financing mechanisms to address Nigeria’s aviation funding gaps.
“We are fully prepared to host what will be one of the most impactful discussions on aviation financing in recent times. Mr Rewane’s inclusion adds significant depth to the programme,” Shadare said. “Delegates can expect high-value sessions and actionable policy recommendations tailored to Nigeria’s unique aviation challenges.”
Also billed to speak is Mr Gbenga Alade, Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), who will offer insights into asset recovery and aviation debt management.
Another keynote speaker, Dr Gabriel Olowo, a respected aviation economist, will address air transport economics, pricing structures, airline profitability, and the role of public-private partnerships in funding aviation infrastructure.
In a show of federal government interest, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, will attend as Special Guest of Honour. Keyamo is expected to outline the current administration’s financing strategy, proposed reforms, and steps being taken to reposition Nigeria’s aviation sector for sustainable growth.
The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, will deliver a goodwill message on behalf of the regulatory body. His message will highlight the importance of regulatory stability and investor confidence in securing long-term aviation financing.
The conference will also feature a robust panel discussion with prominent aviation industry players, including:
Dr Alex Nwuba, Chairman, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Mr Chris Aligbe, former GM, Nigeria Airways
Dr Thomas Ogungbangbe, CEO, CITA Energies Ltd
Capt. Roland Iyayi, CEO, TopBrass Aviation
These panellists are expected to share their experiences and debate solutions for addressing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure deficit, high aircraft leasing costs, insurance bottlenecks, and maintenance financing.
The 2025 LAAC Conference is particularly timely as Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to battle foreign exchange volatility, ageing airport infrastructure, high cost of jet fuel, and limited access to long-term capital. Airlines and airport operators alike have called for policy reforms, financial relief, and strategic investments to stabilize the sector.
Analysts predict that discussions at the summit could set the tone for future government-private sector collaboration in funding aviation projects, including airport upgrades, MRO facilities, and fleet expansion.
With over 200 participants expected from across the aviation value chain, the summit will serve as a platform to explore domestic and international financing models, identify risks and mitigations, and recommend policy interventions that can unlock growth potential in the sector.