By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has said that the administration would give necessary support towards the celebration of 100 years of aviation history in the country being plan by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Wike stated this on Thursday while receiving a delegation led by the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN, in Abuja.
Keyamo had come to notify and to solicit the support of the FCT Minister, because,according to him, Abuja happens to be the host city and it would received distinguished international guests and corporate delegations amongst others.
He disclosed that as part of the activities line up to mark the ten decades of aviation history is the first ever International Airshow in Abuja slated for December 2 to 4,2025.
He therefore sought the support of the FCT Administration in logistics, publicity, security, and tourism promotion to ensure the event’s success.
He requested the use of CNG buses, commuter vehicles, and possibly the FCT train service to convey delegates to the airport venue.
He also sought approval to use billboards across the city, partner with Aso Radio and Aso TV for awareness campaigns, and deploy waste management and emergency services throughout the duration of the event.
He explained that the airshow would be a landmark global event featuring major players in the international aviation industry. He said countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates host similar shows annually, making it imperative for Nigeria to join the league.
According to him, “From the first aircraft landing in Nigeria in 1925 till now, this year marks a century of aviation in our country. As part of this centenary celebration, we are partnering with a private company and the Nigerian Air Force to deliver a world-class event that will attract global attention.”
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, while responding, pledged the Administration’s full cooperation, describing the initiative as a “very major global event” that would further project Abuja’s image as a tourism and investment hub.
He assured that he would personally attend the opening ceremony to endorse the show and directed that relevant FCT departments should collaborate with the aviation ministry to provide necessary support.
He, however, stressed that while the FCT would assist in areas of transport, publicity, sanitation, and security, the organizers must not expect everything to be free. “Everything cannot be free, free, free, that’s the problem Nigeria has,” he said pointedly.
