The 2025 Aviation Africa Summit, held in Kigali, Rwanda, on September 4 and 5, saw a notable absence of top Nigerian aviation officials, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
However, three Nigerian companies – Airlines Management Support Limited (AMSL), Aero MRO, and ETAM AVITAT – took centre stage, showcasing their quality products and expertise.
Also the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and the Women in Aviation International (WAI) Nigeria were visible at the summit.
Ms. Sylvia Egbegi of WAI Nigeria on behalf of the President, Mrs. Rejoice Ndudinachi, delivered a paper on Gender Equality in Aviation urging that women and young female talents should be given more opportunities in leadership positions in the aviation industry.
Key Highlights from Nigerian Companies
Airlines Management Support Limited (AMSL): AMSL showcased its quality aircraft tyres and aerospace fluids, featuring a distinctive booth design that attracted many new and existing customers. Their participation highlighted the international brand image of Dunlop aircraft tyres.
Speaking at the AMSL Stand in Kigali, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AMSL, Capt. David Olubadewo, said the Summit was unique in the sense that was is a big platform for exhibitions.
Olubadewo described the Summit as a huge success free of hitches but regretted that sadly not many Nigerians were in attendance as expected.
Aero Contractors: With over six decades of aviation heritage, Aero Contractors is building on its legacy to serve the next generation of African operators. According to the Chief Financial Officer of Aero Contractors, Charles Grant, “our upgraded MRO is a clear signal that Africa has the expertise and infrastructure to sustain its aviation industry locally, while saving costs, creating jobs, and retaining value on the continent”.
In a chat with our correspondent at the the company’s stand at the Summit, the Head of Aero MRO, James Omini, reminisced that Aero MRO was established in 2017 to cater to aircraft contractors but has since expanded to serve airlines from across Africa and beyond.
He noted that the company has made a significant impact, occupying a prominent place in West Africa’s MRO landscape. “Aero MRO has recently expanded its hangars to accommodate more aircraft and can now handle up to four planes at a time, including both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters”.
Omini highlighted the importance of fora like the African Aviation Summit in promoting Aero MRO’s services and increasing its visibility. The company’s participation in the summit has already yielded positive results, with leasing companies expressing interest in its maintenance services for aircraft operating in Africa.
Etam AVIATAT Services Limited: ETAM AVITAT Services Limited, which offers aircraft maintenance, flight planning, trip support, private/business jet charter, FBO service, and aviation training, attended to over 100 visitors on the first day of the summit.
According to the Independent Director, Wofai Iwara, summits and exhibitions like the Kigali AVAF25 offer opportunity to showcase services and expertise as well as build new collaborations and clients.
“I have moved around other stands to see what other companies do and how our services can be of use to them.
“We do basically everything to support aviation. Once you contact us we source what you need and deliver”, Iwara explained.
Also speaking, the Operations Manager of ETAM AVIATAT, Promise Anyanasoh, said: “The summit is okay and we are getting responses. In the first day, we attended to over 100 visitors in our stand”.
The Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition provides a platform for industry stakeholders to share ideas, collaborate, and advance programs that address emerging trends and technologies in aviation. This year’s summit focused on “Collaborating to unlock Africa’s aviation growth” and featured discussions on advanced aviation mobility, sustainability, and infrastructure development.