By Joseph Erunke, Abuja
Nigeria is set to assume centre stage in Africa’s aviation industry as Abuja hosts more than a week of high-level engagements involving airport leaders, policymakers, aviation experts and industry players from across the continent.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria,FAAN, in partnership with Airports Council International–Africa,ACI Africa, will host the 35th ACI Africa Annual General Assembly, 76th Board and Committees Meetings, Regional Conference and Exhibition from September 19 to 25, 2026.
The gathering, themed “Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience,” is expected to focus attention on the future of African airports amid growing passenger demand, rapid technological changes and increasing pressure for more efficient, sustainable and resilient airport operations.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Henry Agbebire, disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing in Abuja.
Agbebire said the conference would go beyond ceremonial engagements, stressing that Nigeria was seeking practical ideas, enduring partnerships and solutions capable of improving airport performance across Africa.
According to him, the rapidly changing aviation environment has made it imperative for African airports to rethink how they are designed, operated and managed.
He said, “African airports are facing a rapidly changing operating environment. Passenger expectations are rising, technology is transforming airport operations, infrastructure must keep pace with demand, and airports must become more efficient, sustainable and resilient.
“The central question is therefore: How do we build and operate the next generation of African airports?”
He explained that the Abuja gathering would provide a platform for airport executives, aviation professionals, policymakers, technology providers and other stakeholders to exchange practical experiences on digital transformation, infrastructure development, passenger experience, sustainability, safety and security, commercial development, performance and resilience.
The choice of Abuja as host, Agbebire said, offered Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its aviation journey while deepening its engagement with the continental airport community.
He said FAAN would use the gathering to share its experiences and engage international counterparts on the transformation of airport operations and passenger services.
“Our ambition goes beyond hosting a successful event. We want Abuja 2026 to generate ideas that can be applied, partnerships that can endure and solutions that can improve airport performance across our continent,” he said.
The development also places Nigeria prominently within the leadership structure of ACI Africa, with FAAN Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, serving as Vice President of ACI Africa.
Agbebire said Kuku’s dual role underscored Nigeria’s active participation and leadership within the African airport community.
Preparations for the major aviation gathering have already entered the final phase, with delegates beginning to arrive in Abuja.
Among the early arrivals is Ali Tounsi, Secretary-General of ACI Africa, who arrived with members of his team ahead of the main programme to support preparations for the assembly.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, as Chief Guest.
The first three days of the programme will focus largely on ACI Africa committee meetings, before the event moves into its broader regional conference and exhibition activities.
The week-long programme will feature statutory meetings, technical sessions, an industry exhibition, networking engagements and the ACI Africa Passenger Facilitation & Readiness Excellence Awards, among other activities.
The Local Organising Committee urged the media to focus on the substantive issues emerging from the gathering rather than merely the ceremonies and personalities.
Agbebire described the event as “not simply a Nigerian aviation event,” but an African aviation conversation taking place on Nigerian soil.
He said the central issues should include how African airports can improve operational performance, build resilience, harness emerging technologies, enhance passenger experience and strengthen collaboration across the continent.
With delegates already arriving, the FAAN official declared that Abuja and Nigeria were ready to host the continental aviation community.
“The delegates are arriving. Abuja is ready. Nigeria is ready,” Agbebire said.
The assembly is expected to provide an important platform for African airport authorities and industry stakeholders to examine how technology, infrastructure, sustainability and operational reforms can shape the continent’s next generation of airports.
