Keyamo leads delegation to France for bilateral talks

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is currently leading a Nigerian delegation on a four-day bilateral working visit to France.

This was disclosed in a press release signed by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.

Moshood gave the details of the visit in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday.

The visit, tagged, ‘Nigeria France Bilateral Business Forum,’ in a statement said it seeks to enhance cooperation and investigate aviation sector business prospects between the two nations.

Keyamo is joined by the Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku;  the acting Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; amongst others.

“Our visit to France aims to bolster collaboration and explore aviation business opportunities,” Keyamo said.

The statement noted that the meeting commenced on Tuesday,  March 6, with Keyamo meeting the Director-General, French Civil Aviation, Damien Caze and his team.

During the session, stakeholders from the Nigerian delegation delivered insightful presentations on topics ranging from aircraft financing and insurance to the modernisation of navigational equipment and capacity-building initiatives.

At the meeting, Keyamo presented a compelling roadmap for the Nigerian aviation industry, stressing the urgent need for infrastructural upgrades and inviting private investors to participate in this endeavour.

Notable attendees at the ongoing Nigeria France business forum include the Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace, Oluwatoyin Olajide; Chairman, Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi; MD of SAHCOL, Aboderin Adenike; amongst others.

After the meeting in Paris, the delegation will travel to Marseille, tour the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, and wrap up the business discussions in Orly with a meeting with the management of Thales.

Keyamo voiced optimism about the visit’s outcomes, affirming, “We believe this bilateral engagement will open avenues for productive collaborations and investment prospects in Nigeria’s aviation sector.”

In September 2023, Keyamo unveiled three roadmaps for the Nigerian aviation industry.

Speaking at the 7th Aviation Summit held in Abuja, he mentioned aerotropolis, maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities and aircraft leasing company as some of the priorities of the current administration.