August 02, (THEWILL) — The Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, has been confirmed as a Keynote Speaker for the 29th edition of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC).
This year’s aviation financing conference, themed “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects,” will examine long-term financing options, reforms, and partnerships to secure Nigeria’s aviation future.
The Chairman of the LAAC Conference Committee, Mr Wole Shadare, disclosed that preparations have reached the final phase. He assured stakeholders of a high-impact event, combining thought leadership and practical policy recommendations. “The addition of Bismarck Rewane brings unmatched intellectual weight. The agenda is both robust and forward-thinking”, Shadare said.
The event continues to receive endorsements from major aviation regulators, international carriers, financial institutions, and state governments. This broad support highlights the urgency of addressing sector financing, a challenge that has long limited infrastructure development and fleet expansion.
Confirmed as Chairman of the conference is Mr Gbenga Alade, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). His presence, according to the organisers, adds depth from a financial restructuring perspective. Dr Gabriel Gbenga Olowo, aviation economist and Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, will deliver a keynote exploring the economics of air transport in volatile markets.
Special Guest of Honour at the event will be Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN. His presence is expected to provide vital government insight into reform policies, regulatory alignment, and the broader transport financing framework.
Also billed to speak is the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, who will deliver a regulatory goodwill message on the Authority’s role in enabling investor confidence.
A significant highlight of the Nigerian aviation financing conference will be its expert panel sessions. Panellists will include Mr Alex Nwuba, Chairman, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; Mr Chris Aligbe, Chief Executive Officer of Belujane Konzult; and Dr Thomas Ogungbangbe, CEO of CITA Energies Limited. Others are Captain Roland Iyayi, CEO of TopBrass Aviation; Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.
These speakers will lead discussions on issues such as infrastructure investment, MRO funding, aircraft leasing, Jet A1 pricing, and insurance management. In addition, regulatory reforms, consumer protection, and technology upgrades in navigational infrastructure will also be discussed in depth. Each session is designed to foster dialogue among financiers, operators, regulators, and policymakers.
To further enrich the experience, LAAC will unveil a compendium titled Celebrating Champions of Aviation Development. The publication will spotlight individuals, institutions, and administrations that have significantly contributed to sectoral growth since 1999.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
