Ken Okeke
The League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) has announced a distinguished line-up of top industry leaders, financial experts, regulators, and policymakers for its 29th Annual Conference, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 7 August 2025, at The Providence Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
This year’s conference, themed “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects,” will provide a strategic platform for robust discussions on funding mechanisms and investment models for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Mr Gbenga Alade, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), will chair the event, bringing his extensive experience in financial management and restructuring to bear on discussions.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Gabriel Gbenga Olowo, renowned aviation economist and Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, whose thought leadership in airline economics and travel distribution has shaped industry conversations over the years.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, will grace the event as Special Guest of Honour, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening financing frameworks across the aviation ecosystem.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, will be present to deliver a regulatory goodwill message, highlighting the pivotal role of the Authority in ensuring a robust and investor-friendly regulatory climate.
The conference will also feature a rich panel of industry experts drawn from a cross-section of the aviation value chain, including:
Airline operators
Airport management authorities
Ground handling and service providers
Aviation fuel suppliers and marketers
Travel and tourism stakeholders
Financial and insurance institutions
Investment advisors and leasing companies
According to Mr Wole Shadare, Chairman of the LAAC Conference Committee, the 2025 edition marks a significant milestone in the association’s contribution to aviation development:
“Our 29th annual conference is a timely intervention that aligns with ongoing reforms in the aviation industry. It will examine new opportunities and address long-standing bottlenecks that hinder sustainable financing. More importantly, it offers a forum where decision-makers and stakeholders can build consensus for the sector’s future.
As part of the conference, LAAC will also unveil a commemorative publication titled “Celebrating Champions of Aviation Development”, a special compendium profiling notable individuals, institutions, and state governments that have played transformative roles in Nigeria’s aviation sector since 1999.
Discussions at the conference will explore key thematic areas, including:
Airport infrastructure development
Aircraft leasing and financing mechanisms
MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) funding
Aviation fuel supply and pricing strategies
Regulatory reforms and consumer protection
Navigational infrastructure and airspace management
Insurance, risk management, and sectoral investment incentives
The event has attracted endorsements and participation pledges from all aviation regulatory agencies, domestic and international airlines, ground handling companies, state governments, financial institutions, and travel sector professionals, confirming its relevance and growing influence as a premier platform for industry engagement.
The League remains committed to fostering constructive dialogue, shaping public policy, and celebrating those who continue to champion Nigeria’s aviation transformation.