The Federal Government has announced plans to host Nigeria’s maiden International Air Show in Abuja this December.
The disclosure was made on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Ibrahim Kana.
Kana explained that after extensive internal consultations, it was agreed that close collaboration with the Ministry of Interior is essential to ensure the smooth entry and safety of participants, including international guests and exhibitors.
He stressed that agencies under the Interior Ministry, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), will play critical roles in visa processing, security, and traffic management throughout the event.
Highlighting the anticipated influx of international investors, marketers, and aviation stakeholders, Kana underlined the need for seamless coordination of visa and security operations.
He also disclosed that Abuja was chosen as the host city after evaluating Lagos, Abuja, and Uyo airports, citing Abuja’s strategic location and accessibility as key factors.
Kana further hinted that President Bola Tinubu might attend the event.
He noted that civil aviation authorities from around the world will be invited to participate, while the Nigerian Air Force and air traffic controllers will play key operational roles.
“The Federal Government is committed to delivering a world-class international air show that will promote Nigeria’s aviation sector and attract global industry players,” Kana assured.
During a meeting with the Aviation Ministry’s delegation, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalena Ajani, who represented the Minister of Interior, pledged full support for the event.
She revealed plans to optimise the online visa application system to ease access for international visitors, stressing the importance of a structured operational framework to define the roles of agencies such as NIS.
Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, emphasized the need for accurate visitor data to enable the NIS to streamline visa issuance and reduce reliance on individual online applications.
She pledged the Service’s full cooperation and active participation.
Representing the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Oladele Yusuf confirmed the Air Force’s commitment, stating that a technical subcommittee is already working under the main planning committee to address operational matters.
On regulatory preparedness, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Godwin Balang, assured that the Authority will provide necessary regulatory oversight and approvals to support the success of the event.
