Government and industry leaders honour pioneers, celebrate progress and outline reforms for the future
Nigeria on Monday marked a century of aviation with a national celebration in Abuja, where industry veterans, airline operators and government officials reflected on the sector’s journey and pledged to consolidate recent gains. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said the nation’s progress in aviation could only be understood by recognising the contributions of early operators whose efforts sustained the industry through challenging periods.
Speaking at the event, Keyamo noted that airlines such as Okada Air, Aero Contractors, Sosoliso Airlines and others helped build the foundation upon which today’s carriers, including Air Peace and Ibom Air now operate. He explained that even the successes of current operators are tied to the lessons and mistakes of earlier generations, adding that the centenary celebration was designed to honour every component of the ecosystem, from airline owners and pilots to long serving catering and ground service providers
The minister reiterated the government’s resolve to address the long standing issue of airline collapse, describing under capitalisation as a major factor behind past challenges. He warned that while aircraft acquisition attracts attention, operating an airline requires significantly more capital. According to him, prospective investors should have at least three times the cost of their aircraft in reserve if they hope to run a sustainable operation. He assured stakeholders that the sector can only continue to move upward as government works to stabilise policy and strengthen oversight.
Addressing concerns about aviation taxation, Keyamo said no ministry can unilaterally remove statutory taxes because they require the involvement of the Ministry of Finance, the tax authorities and the National Assembly. He, however, praised President Bola Tinubu for exempting aviation from the planned tax increase before it took effect, and for initiating a broader review of multiple levies that operators have long complained about. He described the president’s intervention as proactive and essential to easing pressure on the industry.
Permanent Secretary Yakubu Kofarmata said the centenary provided an opportunity to appreciate the innovation and resilience that have shaped Nigeria’s aviation story. He noted that the industry continues to create opportunities for Nigerians globally. Former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, in a virtual address, highlighted the impact of the Babangida administration’s liberalisation of the sector, which he said opened space for private operators and strengthened Nigeria’s position at the heart of African aviation.
Air Peace chairman, Allen Onyema, speaking on behalf of the new generation award recipients, said the industry was nearing collapse before recent reforms helped restore operator confidence. He praised President Tinubu for appointing Keyamo, describing the decision as transformative. According to him, deregulation has never enjoyed the level of support it receives today, and improved policy direction has helped reduce international fares as evidence of renewed industry competitiveness.
41 awardees drawn from the older and younger generations of the aviation community were honoured at the Abuja ceremony. Among them were Capt Benoni Briggs, former Aviation Minister who initiated the birth of the agencies today; Pa Abel Kalu Ukonu, the first junior staff employed by Nigeria Airways, now 100 yrs old (Represented )by the daughter, Glory Chidinma; Capt. Jonathan Ibrahim, the first set of pilot trained in NCAT SP1; Capt. Chinyere Kalu, first female pilot and former rector NCAT; Ms. Bimbo Sosina former director NCAA and Sec Gen AFCAC; Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion of Okada Air; Captain Idris Wada of EAS Airlines; Allen Onyema of Air Peace; and Olumuyiwa Bernard Allu, the first Black president of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Keyamo commended the team for ensuring safe skies and stable operations, saying the awards recognised decades of dedication to keeping the industry alive.
Representatives of the pioneer awardees thanked the government for the recognition, saying the honour belonged not only to the individuals but to the entire industry that kept Nigeria flying through its most difficult years.
The centenary celebration will continue with an international airshow, featuring demonstrations, exhibitions, and engagements with global aviation partners, running from Tuesday, 2nd December to Thursday, 4th December 2025, as Nigeria enters its next century of flight.”
