Abuja Hosts ACI Africa Assembly, Regional Conference On Next-Gen Airports

ABUJA — Nigeria is set to host key stakeholders in Africa’s aviation industry as Abuja welcomes airport executives, policymakers, aviation experts and industry players for the 35th Airports Council International–Africa Annual General Assembly and related meetings.

The week-long programme, organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in partnership with ACI Africa, is scheduled to hold from September 19 to 25, 2026.

The event, themed “Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience,” will focus on the future of airport operations across Africa amid rising passenger demand, technological advancements and the need for more efficient, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Henry Agbebire, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja.

Agbebire said the gathering would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to develop practical solutions and partnerships aimed at improving airport performance across the continent.

He noted that changing passenger expectations, technological developments and increasing demand on airport infrastructure had made it necessary for African airports to rethink their approach to design, management and operations.

He said the conference would bring together airport executives, aviation professionals, policymakers, technology providers and other stakeholders to discuss digital transformation, infrastructure development, passenger experience, sustainability, safety and security, commercial development, performance and resilience.

According to him, hosting the event in Abuja would also enable Nigeria to showcase its aviation development while strengthening its engagement with the wider African airport community.

Agbebire said FAAN would use the platform to share its experiences and engage international counterparts on ongoing efforts to improve airport operations and passenger services.

“Our ambition goes beyond hosting a successful event. We want Abuja 2026 to generate ideas that can be applied, partnerships that can endure and solutions that can improve airport performance across our continent,” he said.

Nigeria also occupies a prominent position within the leadership structure of ACI Africa, with the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, serving as Vice President of the organisation.

Agbebire said Kuku’s position reflected Nigeria’s active participation in the African airport community.

Preparations for the event have reached an advanced stage, with delegates already arriving in Abuja. Among those who have arrived is the Secretary-General of ACI Africa, Ali Tounsi, who came with members of his team ahead of the main programme.

The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as the Chief Guest.

The initial three days of the programme will centre on ACI Africa committee meetings, after which activities will move into the regional conference and exhibition.

Other activities lined up for the gathering include statutory meetings, technical sessions, an industry exhibition, networking engagements and the ACI Africa Passenger Facilitation & Readiness Excellence Awards.

The Local Organising Committee also urged the media to give prominence to the substantive issues and outcomes of the gathering rather than focusing solely on the ceremonies and personalities.

Agbebire described the event as an African aviation engagement being hosted on Nigerian soil, stressing that discussions should centre on improving airport performance, strengthening resilience, deploying emerging technologies, enhancing passenger experience and promoting collaboration among African airports.

With delegates arriving ahead of the programme, the FAAN official said Abuja and Nigeria were prepared to host the continental aviation community.