Keyamo, Onyema, Babalakin To Lead Discussions At LAAC 30th Annual Conference

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), and Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, are among prominent industry figures expected to headline the 30th Annual Conference of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC).

The conference is scheduled to hold on September 10, 2026, at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, and will bring together government officials, aviation regulators, airline operators, airport managers, investors and other stakeholders to discuss the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Themed, “Towards a Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth,” the conference will examine strategies for promoting industry growth while addressing government revenue expectations.

A major highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the second edition of LAAC Champions of Aviation, a publication documenting the achievements and contributions of aviation agencies, airline operators and other key players within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Keyamo is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, while Babalakin will chair the conference. Onyema will deliver the keynote address, offering insights on sustainable aviation development and policy reforms aimed at strengthening the industry.

Chairman of the LAAC Conference Committee, Wole Shadare, described this year’s theme as timely, noting that the aviation industry requires policies that strike a balance between government revenue generation and investment-driven growth.

According to him, the conference will provide a platform for policymakers, regulators, operators and investors to engage in meaningful discussions capable of producing practical recommendations for the sector.

He stressed that aviation remains a critical driver of economic development, trade, tourism and national integration, adding that increasing fiscal pressures and multiple charges have heightened the need for sustainable policy reforms.

Also speaking, LAAC Chairman, Sulaiman Idris Alooma, said the annual conference reflects the association’s long-standing commitment to promoting informed dialogue on issues affecting Nigeria’s aviation industry.

He noted that over the past three decades, the conference has grown into one of the country’s leading aviation policy dialogue platforms, fostering stakeholder engagement and thought leadership.

Alooma called on aviation professionals, government agencies, airline operators, airport authorities, financial institutions, development partners, investors and other stakeholders to participate in the conference.

The 30th edition is expected to attract participants from across the aviation value chain, with discussions focusing on sustainable financing, regulatory reforms, infrastructure development, investment opportunities, operational efficiency and strategies for ensuring that government revenue policies support, rather than hinder, the long-term growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry.