Abuja Set to Host Maiden Nigeria International Air Show This December

The Federal Government has named Abuja as the host city for the maiden edition of the Nigeria International Air Show, scheduled for December 2025.

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, stating that Abuja was selected over Lagos and Uyo due to its strategic centrality and ease of access.

According to the statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the government will collaborate with the Ministry of Interior to ensure successful delivery of the international event.

Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Interior, emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation to guarantee the event’s success.

“The Ministry has identified the Ministry of Interior as a key stakeholder in the forthcoming Nigeria International Air Show,” Dr. Kana stated. “Following internal deliberations, it was resolved that hosting a successful event would require strong collaboration.”

He further explained that Abuja was chosen after evaluating the merits of Lagos, Uyo, and Abuja international airports, with the capital city emerging as the most suitable based on logistics and accessibility.

The air show is expected to attract global aviation stakeholders, investors, exhibitors, and marketers, and will provide a platform to showcase Nigeria’s aviation capabilities to the world.

Involved agencies include the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Also expected to play key roles are the Nigerian Air Force and air traffic control units.

Dr. Magdalena Ajani, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, pledged full support and assured that the visa application portal would be enhanced to accommodate a seamless experience for visitors.

Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, stressed the need for early projections of attendees to streamline visa processes, while Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Oladele Yusuf noted that a technical subcommittee is already working on planning logistics.

The event is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s standing in global aviation and unlock new investment opportunities in the sector.