The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged full support for hosting Nigeria’s first-ever International Airshow in Abuja slated for December 2 to December 4.

Mr Wike made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja when the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led a delegation to his office.

The minister described the airshow as “a very major global event that will further project Abuja’s image as a tourism and investment hub’’.

He assured personal attendance at the opening ceremony to endorse the show and directed relevant FCT departments to collaborate with the aviation ministry to provide necessary support.

The minister, however, noted that, while the FCT would assist in areas of transportation, publicity, sanitation, and security, the organisers should not expect everything to be free.

He directed the organisers to liaise with the relevant agencies of the FCTA for logistics, advertising, media promotion and security supports.

Mr Wike also pledged the involvement of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) to ensure environmental cleanliness, especially along the airport corridor before and during the event.

He said the FCT had invested heavily in infrastructure around the airport, including the dualised airport road leading to the venue of the airshow.

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the airshow becomes a landmark success that will place Abuja firmly on the global aviation recognition map.

Earlier, Mr Keyamo said the airshow is part of activities marking 100 years of aviation in the country and solicited the support of the FCT Administration for a successful hosting.

He said, “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.’’

Mr Keyamo said the ministry decided to formally notify the FCT minister because Abuja, being the host city, would receive distinguished international guests and corporate delegations.

He therefore sought the support of the FCT Administration in logistics, publicity, security, and tourism promotion to ensure the event’s success.

He specifically requested the use of CNG buses, commuter vehicles, and possibly the FCT train service to convey delegates to the airport venue.

He also sought approvals to use billboards across the city and partner with Aso Radio and Aso TV for awareness campaigns as well as the deployment of waste management and emergency services throughout the duration of the event.

“The airshow will be a landmark global event featuring major players in the international aviation industry. 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,’’ he said.

The minister assured that the airshow would showcase Nigeria’s aviation growth and open new doors for tourism, trade, and foreign investment. 

 (NAN)