The Federal Government has recorded a breakthrough at its inaugural Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit, where Germany’s Aircraft Finance Group sealed a financing and leasing partnership with Fidelity Bank Plc that promises to ease aircraft purchases for local operators.
The two-day event, convened by Pliance Global Aviation for the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Lagos drew aircraft makers including Airbus, ATR and Embraer; lessors such as Formidion and Pexjet; and financiers like Afreximbank, the African Development Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Hosted under the auspices of Minister Festus Keyamo, the summit targets chronic hurdles in aircraft financing and leasing through four “deal rooms.”
Aircraft Finance Germany and Fidelity has already pledged tailored financing blending the German firm’s technical know-how with the bank’s balance-sheet strength.
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Deal Room A saw five Nigerian carriers advance leasing talks with ATR and Formidion. Room B featured Central Bank commitments for banker briefings and Embraer introductions to its export-credit agency.
The National Insurance Commission, in Room C, clarified a 10% local-retention rule on deals and offered compliance aid. Room D produced pacts between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Afreximbank on infrastructure, plus First Metro Infrastructure’s push for a Lagos Airport aerotropolis.
“NAAIS has bridged operators and financiers,” one stakeholder said, positioning the forum as a fixture for investment. Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority head Capt. Chris Najomo set April 1-2, 2027, for the next edition.
