Nigeria Celebrates Hundred Years Of Aviation: A Legacy of Growth And A Future of Promise!

Published on November 29, 2025

The Nigerian aviation sector has witnessed a tremendous transformation starting from the landing of the first aircraft in Kano in 1925. A hundred years of aviation will be celebrated on December 1, 2025, marking a very significant milestone for the country. The centenary celebration, which is organized by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, will take place in the African Hall of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and will showcase the remarkable accomplishments, contributions, and changes that have taken place in the Nigerian aviation industry throughout the last hundred years.

A Legacy of Achievements and Investment

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, will lead the centenary commemoration, which promises to showcase the pivotal moments in Nigeria’s aviation history. Keyamo, in a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, expressed pride in the country’s growth and the sector’s journey, from the arrival of the first aircraft to the country’s emergence as a regional aviation hub.

In line with the centenary celebrations, 40 aviation pioneers, ranging from engineers and pilots to air traffic controllers and industry leaders, will be honoured for their enduring contributions. These legends of aviation have played an instrumental role in shaping the country’s air transport landscape. Their work paved the way for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which today oversees the sector’s regulation and growth, ensuring safety, efficiency, and global competitiveness.

The Ministry of Aviation has consistently invested in developing the country’s aviation infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to position Nigeria as a key player in the African and global aviation markets. Keyamo remarked that the centenary serves not only as a moment of reflection but also as a call to action, pushing the sector towards greater heights.

Focus on Infrastructure and Modernisation

A key theme of the celebration will be the ongoing investments in modernising Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure. Over the years, the country has significantly upgraded its airports, with major refurbishments at Lagos, Abuja and Kano airports, to mention a few. In recent years, the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Aviation, has sought to create an aviation environment conducive to the growth of both local and international airlines. This has included partnerships with international bodies to improve airport safety standards and streamline operations.

As part of this initiative, the Nigerian government has also pursued the development of the national carrier, with plans to launch a state-of-the-art airline to serve both domestic and international routes. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have worked diligently to upgrade air traffic control systems and facilities, ensuring seamless air travel across the country.

The establishment of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), now a globally respected institution, has also contributed to the sector’s success. By implementing and monitoring international safety standards, the NCAA has positioned Nigeria as an aviation leader in Africa. These advancements highlight Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring safe and reliable air travel, which remains a cornerstone for future growth.

Future Prospects and Vision for Growth

Looking forward, the Ministry of Aviation envisions further expansion and diversification of the sector. The next phase of development will focus on increasing connectivity within Africa, improving the country’s domestic airline services, and attracting more foreign investment. In particular, the government’s emphasis on sustainability will play a critical role in future planning, with potential investments in greener aviation technology and improved airport services.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement provides a huge opportunity for Nigeria to leverage its strategic position to dominate African aviation. Through better connectivity, collaboration with African airlines, and participation in regional projects like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), Nigeria’s aviation sector is poised for exponential growth.

The future also promises the development of aviation tourism, with Nigeria planning to capitalise on its rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourism industry. Efforts to enhance air connectivity to key tourist destinations, along with increased focus on aviation safety and hospitality services, could open doors for more international visitors to explore Nigeria.

A Call for Continued Progress

The Ministry of Aviation’s vision extends beyond just modernisation and infrastructural development. It includes the broader goal of transforming Nigeria into a globally competitive aviation hub. Festus Keyamo’s message at the centenary celebration will reiterate the need for continued investment in human capital, by providing training, education, and empowerment to the next generation of aviation professionals. This will ensure a continuous flow of talent to support the sector’s growth over the next 100 years.

The celebration also underscores the critical role of partnerships, both within Nigeria and internationally. Keyamo pointed out that the aviation industry’s success is not solely dependent on local efforts but on collaboration with international partners, which has seen the country benefit from global best practices in air transport.

As Nigeria enters the next century of aviation, the country’s aviation sector stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of pioneers, experts, and policymakers. Their combined contributions have enabled Nigeria to emerge as a regional leader in aviation, and with the continued investments being made today, the sector is on track to achieve even greater success in the future.

Bottom Line

Nigerian aviation’s one hundred year anniversary is a milestone that not only celebrates the previous accomplishments but also proclaims a commitment to a future with a more robust, safe, and internationally competitive industry. There still remains a long way to go for the Nigerian aviation experience, and while the country is marking a hundred years of evolution, it is also planning for the next hundred years of expansion and possibilities.