The Nigeria’s aviation sector has recorded a major breakthrough following the successful conclusion of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS 2026), with a landmark aircraft financing and leasing partnership sealed between Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG) and Fidelity Bank Plc.
The agreement, one of the biggest highlights of the summit, is set to unlock new opportunities for Nigerian operators by easing access to aircraft acquisition and leasing options. The partnership will leverage AFG’s deep technical expertise alongside Fidelity Bank’s strong financial capacity to provide structured, sustainable financing solutions tailored to the needs of the aviation industry.
The two-day international summit, held at the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, was convened by Pliance Global Aviation on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. It brought together an impressive array of global aviation stakeholders, aircraft manufacturers, lessors, financiers, and regulators in what has now been described as a defining moment for the sector.
Industry heavyweights including Airbus, ATR, Embraer, AFG Germany, Metro Aviation, Formidion, Pexjet, EAN Aviation, and Global Apex Air among others, were in attendance. They were joined by leading financial institutions and development partners such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Afreximbank, African Development Bank (AfDB), and Fidelity Bank, all of whom played critical roles in shaping the outcomes of the summit.
NAAIS, an initiative of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, was designed to address long-standing challenges around aircraft acquisition, financing, and leasing in Nigeria. The summit exceeded expectations, producing a series of concrete commitments and deal pathways that are expected to significantly reposition the nation’s aviation ecosystem.
Deliberations were structured across four dedicated deal rooms, each focusing on key aspects of aviation finance, regulation, and infrastructure development.
In Deal Room A, five Nigerian operators reached agreements to advance discussions with ATR and Formidion on aircraft leasing and acquisition, signaling immediate progress toward fleet expansion.
Deal Room B produced strong financial and policy-driven outcomes, with the Central Bank of Nigeria committing to facilitate a sector-wide awareness session in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee. Embraer also pledged to introduce Nigerian operators to its Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing pathway, while FSD Asset Finance committed to developing a comprehensive working paper on aviation finance to guide future investments.
In Deal Room C, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) moved to address longstanding concerns within the industry by committing to clarify the 10 percent local retention policy on aircraft acquisition. The Commission also pledged to provide technical support to operators navigating Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and lessor requirements, particularly in documentation and compliance processes.
Deal Room D focused on infrastructure and long-term development. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Afreximbank agreed to deepen collaboration on priority aviation projects, while FAAN also committed to developing a pipeline of bankable projects for submission to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
In addition, First Metro Infrastructure and Afreximbank agreed to advance discussions on the development of an Aerotropolis project at the Lagos Airport.
Speaking on the outcome of the summit, stakeholders described NAAIS 2026 as a bold and timely intervention that has not only bridged the gap between operators and financiers but has also laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
With the successful execution of the AFG–Fidelity partnership and the multiple commitments secured across the deal rooms, the summit has set a clear pathway for improved access to aircraft, stronger financial structures, and enhanced collaboration across the aviation value chain.
As the curtains fall on its maiden edition, NAAIS has firmly positioned itself as a strategic platform for driving investment, fostering partnerships, and accelerating the transformation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
At the end of the summit, the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority-NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo announced April 1st and 2nd for the sophomore edition of NAAIS 2027.
