By Micah Jonah
January 28, 2026
A high-level Nigerian delegation of airline CEOs, COOs, aviation regulators attended the prestigious Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, yesterday, signalling Nigeria’s commitment to modernising its aviation sector and deepening financial and operational partnerships.
The delegation included Mrs. Toyin Olajide (Air Peace), Dr. Obiora Okonkwo (United Nigeria Airlines), Mr. George Urensi (Ibom Air), Abdullahi Ahmed (NG Eagle), Kunle Soname and Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi (ValueJet), among other industry stakeholders. Also present were the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, and the Director of Air Transport Management in the Ministry of Aviation, Mr. Ahmed Tijani.
On the sidelines of the conference, the delegation held a strategic meeting with AERCAP, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, led by CEO Mr. Angus Kelly. Discussions focused on building long-term strategic partnerships to support Nigeria’s fleet modernisation objectives and strengthen operational capacity among local airlines.
Key topics included innovative leasing solutions, flexible financing structures, and practical pathways for fleet renewal. These measures are aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety standards, reducing operating costs, and positioning Nigerian carriers to compete more effectively on regional and global routes.
Subsequently, the delegation engaged with Afreximbank, represented by Ms. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade & Export Development, and Ms. Helen Brume, Director & Global Head, Project & Asset-Based Finance. The discussions highlighted Nigeria’s intent to deepen aviation finance partnerships, leveraging Afreximbank’s role in providing structured financing, trade-enabling instruments, and risk-mitigation solutions for African carriers.
The meetings emphasized a collaborative government–industry approach, with aviation positioned as a driver of economic growth, regional integration, intra-African trade. Special attention was given to fleet development, airline sustainability, and the creation of financing frameworks capable of unlocking long-term value for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
The statement was made by Festus Kayemo, Minister of Aviation, on his Facebook page. Consultations and strategic engagements are set to continue, thereafter.
