The 2025 Nigeria Aviation Awards and Ministerial Dinner, popularly known as NIGAV, is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of the aviation industry in Nigeria. The prestigious awards ceremony takes place in Lagos, the commercial hub of the country, and has grown to become a highly anticipated event in the aviation calendar.
The winners of the 2025 NIGAV were crowned after a live selection process that involved a rigorous evaluation of their contributions to the aviation industry. The new King and Queen of the Air were handed crowns by the previous year’s winners, Tyger Opunabo of Arik Air and Miracle Okechukwu of Value Jet. The winners were awarded a cash prize of two million Naira each. A total of thirteen contestants participated in the contest, with representatives from various airlines such as Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, Ibom Air, and Arik Air, among others. *
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The Chairman of the NIGAV committee, Mr. Fortune Idu, stated that the winners would initiate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that would directly impact airport communities and promote aviation safety best practices. Idu emphasized that the programme recognized the crucial roles of air hosts and hostesses in enhancing the overall air travel experience.
“As part of the CSR efforts, we will make cash donations to homes for the less privileged, and carry out specific aviation safety-based community awareness campaigns. This programme is a recognition of the vital roles that air hosts and hostesses play in the aviation industry, and we are proud to see the impact that they have on the flying experience of our passengers.”
Idu further elaborated that the event serves as a platform to foster unity and healthy competition among Nigerian airlines, encouraging social interaction among the workforce to strengthen the nation’s aviation industry.
At the event, Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, was honored with the Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award and the Aviation Leadership Achievement Award in the Strategic Leadership category. Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, won the Aviation Agency Chief Executive of the Year Award. Other notable winners of the 2025 NIGAV include:
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Award Winners
| Award | Award Winner | Airline |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Chief Executive of the Year Award | Dr. Allen Onyema | Air Peace |
| Airline Magazine of the Year Award | Alice, Air Peace | Air Peace |
| Regional Aircraft Maintenance Agency of the Year Award | Aero Contractors | Aero Contractors |
| Most Reliable Airline of the Year (On Time) Award | Ibom Air | Ibom Air |
| Most Reliable Airline of the Year (On Time) Award | Value Jet | Value Jet |
The event also recognizes the contributions of various aviation players, including airlines, airports, and ground handling services.
In recognition of their contributions to the growth of aviation in 2024, other aviation players were also awarded and rewarded. The awards ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, airline representatives, and other stakeholders in the aviation industry.
The 2025 NIGAV is a testament to the importance of recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of individuals and organizations in the aviation industry. The event serves as a celebration of the achievements of Nigerian airlines and aviation professionals, and provides a platform for networking and collaboration.
