The 30th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) is set to provide a major platform for stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry to examine the delicate balance between government revenue demands and the need to sustain the growth and competitiveness of the sector.
The conference, scheduled to hold on September 10, 2026, in Lagos, will be held under the theme: “Towards a Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth.”
The landmark 30th edition of the conference is expected to bring together key stakeholders across the aviation value chain, including the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), government officials, industry bigwigs, regulators, airline operators, airport managers, financial institutions, investors, aviation professionals, labour unions and other industry players.
A statement by the conference committee noted that the choice of the theme is informed by the growing need to address the fiscal pressures confronting the aviation industry while ensuring that government revenue policies do not inadvertently undermine the capacity of airlines and other aviation businesses to remain viable and competitive.
According to the statement, “At a time when the Nigerian aviation sector is undergoing significant reforms and infrastructure development, stakeholders believe that achieving a sustainable industry requires a careful balance between revenue generation by government and the creation of an enabling environment for investment, business growth and consumer affordability”.
“The conference will also examine the implications of multiple charges on airlines and other operators, the high cost of aviation fuel, access to foreign exchange, aircraft acquisition and maintenance, airport infrastructure, regulatory effectiveness and the broader economic contribution of aviation to Nigeria.”
Also, a major focus of the discourse will be how the government can maximise revenue from aviation without imposing excessive financial burdens that could weaken operators, discourage investment or ultimately affect airfares and connectivity.
The conference is also expected to examine opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s aviation revenue base through increased passenger traffic, cargo development, tourism, airport commercialisation, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aircraft leasing and other emerging areas of the aviation value chain.
The Chairman of LAAC, Suleiman Idris, said the 30th anniversary conference represents an important milestone for the association and provides an opportunity for the aviation media to facilitate constructive dialogue on issues that are critical to the future of the industry.
He said the media has a responsibility not only to report developments in the sector but also to create platforms where policymakers and industry stakeholders can engage in meaningful discussions aimed at finding sustainable solutions to persistent challenges.
According to him, “The aviation industry cannot grow sustainably if the operators are overburdened, just as government cannot abandon its legitimate responsibility to generate revenue. What is required is a balanced and sustainable framework that allows government to earn revenue while giving aviation businesses sufficient room to grow, invest and remain competitive.”
On his part, the conference committee Chairman, Wole Shadare added that the conference would seek to move the conversation beyond identifying problems to developing practical recommendations that can support policy formulation and implementation.
Shadare said the forum will also provide an opportunity to reflect on developments in Nigeria’s aviation industry over the past three decades and the role of aviation correspondents in promoting accountability, transparency and informed public discourse.
LAAC said it remains committed to using its annual conference as a platform for bringing together policymakers, regulators, operators and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting the industry and proffer solutions in the national interest.
The association expressed optimism that the 30th Annual Conference would produce robust recommendations capable of contributing to the development of a more competitive, financially sustainable and resilient Nigerian aviation industry.
