The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has solicited support of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to host Nigeria’s first ever International Airshow in Abuja slated for December 2 to 4, 2025.

Keyamo, who led a delegation to the minister, Nyesom Wike,  stated that the Airshow is part of activities marking 100 years of aviation in the country.

He said the ministry decided to formally notify the FCT minister because Abuja, being the host city, would receive distinguished international guests and corporate delegations.

He  sought the support of the FCTA in logistics, publicity, security, and tourism promotion to ensure the event’s success.

He also requested the use of CNG buses, commuter vehicles, and possibly the FCT train service to convey delegates to the airport venue.

He sought approval to use billboards across the city, partner with Aso Radio and Aso TV for awareness campaigns, and deploy waste management and emergency services throughout the duration of the event.

He stated that the airshow would be a landmark global event featuring major players in the international aviation industry. He said countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates host similar shows annually, making it imperative for Nigeria to join the league.

He noted that the Nigerian Air Force is the ministry’s major partner and collaborator in the initiative, adding that the airshow would showcase Nigeria’s aviation growth and open new doors for tourism, trade, and foreign investment.

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.”

Responding, the FCT minister, Wike, pledged the administration’s full cooperation, describing the initiative as a “very major global event” that would further project Abuja’s image as a tourism and investment hub.

Wike assured that he would personally attend the opening ceremony to endorse the show and directed that relevant FCT departments should collaborate with the aviation ministry to provide necessary support.

He, however, stressed that while the FCT would assist in areas of transport, publicity, sanitation, and security, the organisers must not expect everything to be free.

“Everything cannot be free, free, free, that’s the problem Nigeria has,” he said.