WIKE PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT FOR AFRICA’S 1ST INT’L AIRSHOW IN ABUJA
By: Wisdom Acka
In a landmark move to position Nigeria as Africa’s aviation hub, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has pledged unwavering support for the success of the maiden edition of the Nigeria International Airshow slated for December 2nd–4th, 2025.
The Minister made the pledge when his Aviation and Aerospace Development counterpart, Mr. Festus Keyamo, paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Thursday, 22nd October, 2025.
Wike assured that the FCT Administration will be interested in partnering with the Ministry of Aviation, and deliver an official speech on the opening day to endorse the show, saying it is very major show in Abuja.
He urged his Aviation counterpart to liaise with the Transport Secretariat or the FCTA as it requires the use of train and CNG buses, “you will have to liaise with the Transport Secretariat,” he said.
Known for pragmaticism, Wike offered robust support but with clear terms: “Billboards won’t be free. Nigeria’s problem is free, free, free. Pay for what you use,” Wike declared, charging the Aviation Ministry to liaise with the Department of Outdoor Advertisement (DOAS).
The FCT Minister who also assured of sanitation along the Airport Road, stated that the Territory will leverage the airshow to showcase investment opportunities, with complimentary exhibition stands for agencies like the Abuja Tourism Board.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Keyamo disclosed that he and his team visited Wike to notify him of the planned airshow and request his support for a successful event in December.
The Aviation Minister explained that the event, which will be the first of its kind in African, will commemorate 100 years of aviation in Nigeria since the first aircraft landed in the country in 1925.
He disclosed that the airshow will gather major aviation stakeholders and the Nigerian Air Force, with the potential of attracting global giants such as Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer, mirroring iconic events such as the Dubai and Farnborough airshows.
“This is not just an aviation event; it’s a tourism and economic catalyst for Abuja,” Keyamo stated, urging Wike’s endorsement as chief host to welcome delegates, including potential attendance by President Bola Tinubu.
Abuja Digest reports that the international airshow will elevate Nigeria’s aviation profile globally, generate revenue through tourism and partnerships as well as highlight Abuja’s infrastructure, including parts of the Airport Road, recently completed by the Administration.
