The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has arrived France on a four-day Nigeria-France Bilateral Business Forum, aimed at strengthening Franco-Nigeria bilateral relations and attracting French private sector investment to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
A statement issued by the Minister’s Media Adviser, Tunde Moshood, indicated that the minister had already presented a detailed Nigeria aviation industry roadmap to the Director-General of French Civil Aviation , Damien Caze, and other aviation stakeholders in Paris for discussions on enhancing infrastructure and collaborations, including aircraft financing, insurance, modernization of navigational equipment, and capacity-building initiatives.
He listed other dignitaries on the Nigerian team to France as including Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku of FAAN, Capt. Chris Najomo of NCAA, and Engr. Faruk Umar of NAMA, Managing Director of SAHCO, Adenike Aboderin, and representatives of Nigeria’s private aviation sector.
Moshood stated that during the discussions with the aviation authorities in France, the SAHCO boss highlighted the economic potential of engaging with Nigeria’s cargo business while Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi, also spoke on the advantages of aircraft leasing and investing in Nigeria.
According to him, some French aviation stakeholders, such as PROAVIA, ASTech Paris Region, and BPI France, have indicated a strong interest in forming partnerships with Nigeria in view of the country high potential for good returns on their investments.
For instance, Vice President of AerCap, Gad Wavomba, was quoted as expressing his interest in exploring business opportunities in Nigeria.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation will be in Marseille, Toulouse, and Orly, to explore opportunities for French private sector investment in the Nigerian aviation industry
Expressing his optimism about the outcomes of the visit, Keyamo said: “We are confident that this bilateral engagement will pave the way for fruitful collaborations and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation industry.”
