Nigeria has officially confirmed its readiness to host the 2026 Airports Council International Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition, following a high-level visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, by the ACI Africa leadership.

Keyamo on Monday received the Secretary-General of ACI Africa, Alli Tounsi, who led a delegation to Abuja as part of early assessments and consultations ahead of the continental event, billed for September 2026. This was made known through a statement by the minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, on Monday.

Airports Council International is the global trade association for the world’s airports. It promotes the collective interests of airports, supports safe and efficient operations, and fosters collaboration across the aviation industry. Hosting the 2026 conference reinforces world aviation confidence in Nigeria’s capacity.

The delegation, according to the statement, included top officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, including the Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire; and Director of Commercial and Business Development, Mrs Adebola Agunbiade.

Speaking during the visit, Tounsi underscored Nigeria’s strategic role in Africa’s aviation ecosystem, describing the country as a natural choice for hosting the 2026 conference. Tounsi stated that the nation’s aviation footprint and leadership influence make it a fitting venue for the gathering.

“Nigeria must host this next Acrobatics Regional Conference. BAGASSO is already in Nigeria, and it is only right that ACI Africa is here too,” she said.

In his response, Keyamo expressed Nigeria’s full acceptance and readiness to deliver a world-class conference.

“We accept wholeheartedly to host. Nigeria has the capacity, the infrastructure, and the commitment to deliver a world-class conference. You can count on us,” he said.