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By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has assured his counterpart in the Aviation and Aerospace Development Ministry, Festus Keyamo, of the FCT’s commitment to personally inaugurate the Airshow and ordered coordination between relevant departments and the Aviation Ministry for seamless support.
He gave the assurance when Keyamo led a delegation to appeal to the Federal Capital Territory Administration for comprehensive support to host Nigeria’s first-ever International Airshow, scheduled for Monday, December 2–4, 2025, in Abuja.
Wike assured the ministry of the FCTA’s full support, emphasising the event’s importance to elevate Abuja’s profile as a centre for tourism and investment.
He cautioned, however, that while help would be provided for transport, security, sanitation, and publicity, totally free provision of services was not possible. “Everything cannot be free, free, free, that’s the problem Nigeria has,” he remarked bluntly.
He instructed the organisers to work closely with the Transport Secretariat for logistics, the Department of Outdoor Advertising Services (DOAS) for billboards, and Aso Radio/TV management for media. The FCT Director of Security will oversee safety measures.
Wike also promised the involvement of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) to maintain cleanliness along the airport corridor throughout the event.
Highlighting recent FCT infrastructure investments, such as the dualised airport road leading to the venue, Wike reaffirmed his determination to make the 2025 Nigeria International Airshow a memorable occasion that firmly positions Abuja on the global aviation stage.
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Keyamo had earlier highlighted that the Airshow forms part of the centenary celebrations of aviation in Nigeria.
Acknowledging Abuja as the host city welcoming distinguished global guests and corporate delegates, he sought the FCT Administration’s assistance in logistics, security, tourism promotion, and publicity to guarantee the event’s success.
He specifically requested the deployment of CNG buses, commuter vehicles, and possibly the FCT train service to facilitate delegate transport to the airport venue.
In addition, he asked for permission to use citywide billboards, collaborate with Aso Radio and Aso TV on awareness campaigns, and engage waste management and emergency services throughout the event’s duration.
Describing the Airshow as a significant global event, Keyamo noted that countries like the United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates host similar aviation expos annually, making Nigeria’s entry timely. The Nigerian Air Force remains the ministry’s key partner for this initiative, which aims to showcase Nigeria’s aviation advancements and foster tourism, trade, and foreign investment opportunities.
He said, “From the first aircraft landing in Nigeria in 1925 till now, this year marks a century of aviation in our country. As part of this centenary celebration, we are partnering with a private company and the Nigerian Air Force to deliver a world-class event that will attract global attention.”
