Nigeria has intensified preparations to host the prestigious Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for September 2026 in Abuja.
This follows a high-level visit on Monday by the Secretary General of ACI Africa, Mr. Alli Tounsi, who met with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN.
Mr. Tounsi was accompanied by senior executives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), including the Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire; and Director of Commercial and Business Development, Mrs. Adebola Agunbiade.
The delegation’s mission was to assess Nigeria’s preparedness to host aviation leaders from across the continent next year.
During the meeting, Mr. Tounsi highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role in the African aviation sector and reaffirmed the organisation’s confidence in the country’s readiness.
“Nigeria must host this next Acrobatics Regional Conference. BAGASSO is already in Nigeria, and it is only right that ACI Africa is here too,” he said.
In response, Minister Keyamo expressed appreciation for the trust placed in Nigeria and assured that the country would meet and surpass expectations.
“We accept wholeheartedly to host,” he said. “Nigeria has the capacity, the infrastructure, and the commitment to deliver a world-class conference. You can count on us.”
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, also shared updates on ongoing preparations. She revealed that arrangements are already in motion, including discussions with a top-tier five-star hotel in Abuja currently undergoing major renovations ahead of the event.
“All hands are on deck,” she said.
“We’re confident we have ample time for comprehensive planning. The hotel’s management has assured us that upgrades will be completed by April next year, with facilities befitting an international aviation gathering of this scale.”
The visit by the ACI Africa delegation marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation diplomacy and further reinforces the country’s leadership within the African aviation space.
