**Aviation Minister Unveils ₦184.39bn 2026 Budget Proposal to Boost Nigeria's Aviation Industry** In a bid to propel Nigeria's aviation sector to unprecedented heights, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has presented a proposed budget of ₦184.392 billion for 2026 to the National Assembly's joint committees on aviation. The proposed budget is designed to modernize safety systems, upgrade digital infrastructure, and enhance human capacity development across the aviation ecosystem. Speaking at the National Assembly, Minister Keyamo expressed gratitude to the joint committees for their unwavering support and cooperation since the inception of the current administration. He reiterated the Ministry's commitment to sustaining a strong partnership with the National Assembly to propel the growth and transformation of Nigeria's aviation industry. According to the Minister, the 2026 budget proposal is strategically designed to enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and service delivery in line with global best practices. Despite funding constraints in the 2025 fiscal year, the Federal Government successfully cleared outstanding debts owed to foreign airlines, achieved compliance with the Cape Town Convention, and reopened direct flight operations to the United Arab Emirates. The recent fire outbreak at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, which destroyed critical equipment belonging to some aviation agencies, has been a source of concern for the Minister. He appealed to the National Assembly to support the affected agencies in replacing the damaged assets, noting that the incident caused significant operational losses within the sector. The Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives committees on aviation, Buhari Abdulfatai and Festus Olanrewaju respectively, emphasized the need for judicious management of public funds, transparency, and accountability. They urged the Ministry to prioritize the completion of ongoing projects and avoid abandonment, and encouraged the Minister to sustain the cordial relationship between the Ministry and the committees. The proposed budget is expected to contribute meaningfully to national economic growth, promote infrastructural development, and enhance the overall performance of the aviation industry. With the National Assembly's support, Nigeria's aviation sector is set to witness unprecedented growth and transformation in the coming year.