The Nigerian aviation sector is set to make history this Friday, May 23, 2025, as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside top aviation stakeholders, prepares to attend the launch of the much-anticipated book titled “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Keyamo and Stakeholders to Launch New Aviation BookNigeria: History, Issues and Prospects.” The event will hold at the prestigious Golfview Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, and promises to be a landmark occasion for the nation’s aviation industry.
The book, authored by Wole Shadare, the aviation editor at New Telegraph Newspaper, offers a comprehensive account of Nigeria’s aviation journey from its early beginnings in 1925 through to modern developments in 2025. It is described as a “compendium of facts and figures” that will serve as an invaluable resource for scholars, aviation professionals, policy makers, and researchers interested in the evolution and future prospects of civil aviation in Nigeria.
The launch has attracted a stellar line-up of aviation veterans and industry stakeholders. Confirmed attendees include the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Umar Farouk; and former NCAA Director-General, Dr. Harold Demuren. Other prominent figures include Dr. Wale Babalakin, Chairman of Resort Group and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, as well as former Aviation Safety Round Table President, Dr. Gabriel Olowo.
In a statement, Shadare revealed that these personalities have pledged their support for the event, underscoring the importance of the book to the aviation sector’s historical record and future strategy.
Dr. Harold Demuren, who wrote the foreword to the book, praised Shadare’s detailed research and insider knowledge, highlighting that the book not only chronicles aviation history but also tackles contemporary challenges. He noted that the author draws from rich source materials to present an authentic narrative, reflecting on the regulation of the aviation industry, bilateral air service agreements, aero-politics, and the debate surrounding Nigeria’s national carrier.
“This is a valuable work that offers aviation professionals, airline operators, regulators, and students critical insights into the industry’s past and current challenges,” Demuren said.
The book launch will also debut the first edition of the Aviation Metric Colloquium, an annual forum designed to foster dialogue among policymakers, aviation experts, and stakeholders. This year’s theme, “Issues in the Growth and Development of Aviation in Nigeria: A Critical Perspective,” aims to provide a platform for critical appraisal of the sector’s hurdles and propose actionable solutions to spur sustainable growth.
Prof. Anthony Kila, Jean Monnet professor and a respected political economist, will lead the book review segment, providing an academic lens to the publication’s content.
Dr. Wale Babalakin, serving as chairman for the event, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in pushing forward Nigeria’s aviation agenda. “This book launch and the colloquium are critical to stimulating informed conversations that can lead to policy reforms and industry growth,” he stated.
Nigeria’s civil aviation industry has long been a strategic sector, essential to economic development and connectivity. However, the sector faces complex challenges including infrastructural deficits, regulatory bottlenecks, and the need for a revitalized national carrier. Shadare’s book comes at a pivotal moment, providing historical context alongside a roadmap for addressing these issues.
The launch, supported by government officials and industry leaders, symbolizes a collaborative effort to elevate Nigeria’s aviation sector through knowledge sharing, policy review, and strategic interventions.
As Nigeria marks a century of civil aviation, the book launch event spearheaded by Minister Festus Keyamo promises to be a milestone in the country’s aviation narrative. It will offer stakeholders a rare opportunity to reflect on past achievements, confront present challenges, and chart a course for the future.
For aviation enthusiasts, policymakers, and the general public, the launch of “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects” is a must-attend event that underscores the critical role of history in shaping tomorrow’s aviation landscape.