The Federal Government has secured a landmark aircraft financing and leasing partnership between Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG) and Fidelity Bank Plc, a deal poised to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The agreement was the flagship outcome of the maiden Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS 2026), a two-day international event that concluded on Thursday at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
Convened by Pliance Global Aviation on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the summit brought together global manufacturers, financiers, and regulators to tackle long-standing barriers to fleet expansion.
Under the partnership, AFG’s technical expertise will combine with Fidelity Bank’s financial capacity to offer structured, sustainable aircraft acquisition and leasing solutions tailored specifically to Nigerian operators.
Beyond the headline deal, the summit produced concrete commitments across four dedicated deal rooms. Five Nigerian operators reached agreements to advance leasing discussions with ATR and Formidion.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) committed to facilitating a sector-wide awareness session via the Bankers’ Committee, while Embraer pledged to introduce local operators to Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing pathways.
On the policy front, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) moved to resolve industry uncertainty by clarifying the 10 percent local retention policy on aircraft acquisition and offering technical support on OEM compliance.
Infrastructure talks saw the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Afreximbank agree to deepen collaboration on priority projects, including a proposed Aerotropolis at Lagos Airport.
Described by stakeholders as a bold and timely intervention, NAAIS 2026 has laid a clear pathway for improved access to aircraft, stronger financial structures, and enhanced collaboration across the aviation value chain.
At the closing ceremony, the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, announced that the sophomore edition, NAAIS 2027, will hold on April 1st and 2nd.
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