The conference committee said the gathering of key stakeholders is expected to explore ways the government can boost revenue from the aviation sector without introducing measures that could place additional pressure on operators, discourage investment or make air travel less affordable for Nigerians.
It added that discussions would go beyond revenue generation, with participants expected to address persistent challenges affecting the industry. These include poor airport infrastructure, regulatory efficiency, aviation fuel availability and costs, access to foreign exchange, aircraft procurement and maintenance, as well as the impact of multiple charges and levies.
The committee disclosed that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside government representatives, regulators, airline operators, airport managers, financial institutions, labour unions, investors and other aviation professionals, had confirmed their participation in the event.
Chairman of LAAC, Suleiman Idris, said the meeting should not be viewed simply as an anniversary celebration but as a platform to bring some of the aviation sector’s most critical issues to the attention of authorities and stakeholders capable of addressing them.
Idris also emphasised the role of the media in the development of aviation, saying journalists should do more than report events by helping to facilitate meaningful dialogue between government and industry operators.
He said, “The aviation industry cannot grow sustainably if the operators are overburdened, just as government cannot abandon its legitimate responsibility to generate revenue.
“What is required is a balanced and sustainable framework that allows government to earn revenue while giving aviation businesses sufficient room to grow, invest and remain competitive.”
