“NIGAV Credible Platform that Promotes Excellence, Professionalism and Healthy Competition” – PS Aviation
Oru Leonard
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Aviation (NIGAV) Awards remain a credible platform dedicated to promoting excellence and professionalism and healthy competition within the aviation industry.
This is contained in a press release signed by Chindaya Ahmadu Audu Adamu, Director, Press and Public Affairs of the Ministry.
Speaking during a recent engagement, the Permanent Secretary praised the organisers for maintaining integrity and transparency in the selection process, noting that the awards have continued to set high standards for performance across the sector.
Kambari stated that NIGAV has evolved into a respected benchmark that not only recognises outstanding achievements but also inspires industry stakeholders to uphold global best practices. According to him, such recognition plays a critical role in enhancing service delivery, operational efficiency, and safety standards in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
He highlighted that the theme of this year’s awards, “Aviation Industry Rebirth,” reflects renewed momentum within the sector, pointing to progress in aircraft leasing initiatives, airport modernisation programmes, improved intermodal connectivity, fleet expansion, and route development.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the aviation sector through strategic investments, infrastructure development, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). He also added that the reform agenda of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, continues to yield measurable results.
He assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s unwavering support for policies and programmes aimed at delivering safer, more efficient, and globally competitive air transport services.
The Permanent Secretary also expressed optimism that the sector would record stronger growth by the end of 2026, driven by sustained collaboration among government institutions, airlines, airport operators, regulators, and private investors.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, who was honoured as Aviation CEO of the Year, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, security, economic regulation, and consumer protection in line with global best practices.
He noted that recent milestones—such as aerodrome certification, regulatory reforms, airport modernisation, and improved airline capacity—are outcomes of deliberate policy direction and effective institutional collaboration.
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Nigeria Aviation Year 2025 Review and 2026 Outlook by aviation expert and Co-Chairman of the NIGAV Award Committee, Richard Aisuebeogun.
According to him, 2025 marked a period of transition, recalibration, and resilience for Nigeria’s aviation industry, with notable gains in policy reforms, infrastructure commitments, international confidence, and passenger traffic growth. He disclosed that Nigeria retained its position as Africa’s second-largest domestic aviation market, recording over 10.5 million passengers, while Lagos continued to emerge as one of the continent’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.
He projected a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026, with anticipated progress in airport modernisation, aircraft financing, maintenance capacity expansion, and increased private sector investment.
More than sixty organisations and individuals were honoured across various categories during the ceremony, recognising excellence among airlines, airports, regulatory agencies, service providers, and aviation professionals.
The event also featured the Cabin Crew Contest, which crowns the King and Queen of the Air—celebrating in-flight service excellence and promoting unity among airlines.
