The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has outlined four major deals and achievements recorded at the just-concluded Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit 2026, describing the outcomes as a significant breakthrough for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Keyamo, who spoke through a statement signed by his media aide, Tunde Moshood, on Friday, said the two-day summit opened up four critical deal pathways with international partners, setting the stage for improved aircraft financing, leasing, and infrastructure development in the country.
At the heart of the summit’s outcomes was a landmark partnership between Aircraft Finance Germany and Fidelity Bank Plc, which is expected to ease long-standing challenges around aircraft acquisition for Nigerian airlines.
The statement read: “Nigeria’s aviation sector has recorded a major breakthrough following the successful conclusion of the maiden edition of NAAIS 2026. A landmark aircraft financing and leasing partnership has been sealed between Aircraft Finance Germany and Fidelity Bank Plc.”
According to the statement, the agreement will leverage AFG’s technical expertise and the financial strength of Fidelity Bank to deliver structured and sustainable financing solutions tailored to the needs of local operators.
The summit, held in Lagos, brought together global aviation giants such as Airbus, ATR, and Embraer, alongside financiers, regulators, and development institutions. The event was said to tackle persistent bottlenecks in aircraft acquisition and financing. NAAIS 2026 delivered concrete outcomes across four specialised deal rooms, each targeting a key segment of the aviation value chain.
The statement stated, “In Deal Room A, five Nigerian operators reached agreements to advance discussions with ATR and Formidion on aircraft leasing and acquisition, signalling immediate prospects for fleet expansion.
“Deal Room B focused on financial frameworks and policy support, with the Central Bank of Nigeria committing to facilitate a sector-wide awareness session in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee. Embraer also pledged to introduce Nigerian airlines to its Export Credit Agency financing pathway, while FSD Asset Finance undertook to develop a comprehensive working paper to guide future aviation investments.
“In Deal Room C, the National Insurance Commission moved to resolve longstanding regulatory concerns by committing to clarify the 10 per cent local retention policy on aircraft acquisition. The Commission also promised technical support to operators navigating Original Equipment Manufacturer and lessor requirements, particularly in documentation and compliance.
“Deal Room D addressed infrastructure and long-term development, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Afreximbank agreeing to deepen collaboration on priority aviation projects. FAAN also committed to developing a pipeline of bankable projects for submission to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.”
Additionally, the minister’s aide said First Metro Infrastructure and Afreximbank have also opened discussions on the development of an aerotropolis project at the Lagos airport, a move seen as a game-changer for aviation-linked economic activities.
Industry stakeholders at the summit described NAAIS 2026 as a bold and timely intervention that has bridged the gap between operators and financiers while laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
The statement further reads, “With the successful execution of the AFG-Fidelity partnership and the multiple commitments secured across the deal rooms, the summit has set a clear pathway for improved access to aircraft, stronger financial structures, and enhanced collaboration across the aviation value chain.”
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, announced that the second edition of the summit will be held on April 1 and 2, 2027, signalling continuity in the push to reposition the sector.
