Nigeria's Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to Lead Centenary Celebration in Abuja

Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is slated to spearhead a landmark national ceremony on December 1, 2025, commemorating 100 years of aviation in Nigeria. The event, scheduled at the African Hall of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, will honor a century of innovation, resilience, and growth within the nation's air transport sector, tracing its origins back to the first aircraft landing in Kano in 1925. A significant component of the centenary celebration involves the recognition of 40 "Legends of Aviation." These distinguished individuals, including pilots, engineers, administrators, and air traffic controllers, will be honored for their profound contributions to safety, regulatory frameworks, capacity development, and technological advancements that have shaped Nigeria's aviation landscape over decades. The ceremony expects a broad attendance from international and domestic airlines, airport authorities, aviation agencies, ground handling firms, and industry policymakers. Minister Keyamo emphasized that the centenary serves as a dual opportunity: to reflect on past achievements and to reaffirm Nigeria's unwavering commitment to fostering a safer, stronger, and globally competitive aviation industry. He underscored that the progress achieved over the last century is a testament to the dedication of early pioneers and the continuous support from global partners. The event aims to inspire renewed collaboration as Nigeria looks forward to its next century of aviation, prioritizing innovation, infrastructure expansion, enhanced safety, and strategic partnerships.