Cape Town Convention signing will drive Aviation Growth – Dare Osamo

An energy and aviation expert, Dare Osamo, has praised the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the signing of the Cape Town Convention, describing the move as a strategic policy decision capable of unlocking fresh growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Osamo, the Managing Director of Impact Energy, said the decision, executed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and marks a turning point for the country’s aviation industry.

According to him, the Cape Town Convention provides a globally recognised legal framework that safeguards the interests of aircraft lessors and financiers, particularly in asset recovery and enforcement of rights.

He noted that its implementation addresses a long-standing structural challenge that has constrained the growth of indigenous airlines.

“This is a clear demonstration of purposeful governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Osamo said.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about removing systemic bottlenecks and restoring investor confidence, and the signing of the Cape Town Convention fits squarely within that vision.”

He explained that access to aircraft through leasing has historically been one of the most difficult hurdles for Nigerian operators, largely due to perceived legal and regulatory risks.

With the convention now in place, Osamo said local airlines would be better positioned to lease aircraft on improved terms and at lower costs.

“This development makes aircraft leasing easier, more effective, and more predictable for Nigerian operators,” he said, adding that “As a result, we will see organic growth in local fleets, improved service delivery, and a more competitive aviation industry.”

Osamo added that an expansion in airline fleets would have far-reaching economic implications, driving demand for aircraft parts, maintenance services, aviation consumables and jet fuel, thereby creating opportunities across the aviation and energy value chains.

“As fleets grow, the supporting industries grow alongside them,” he said, saying that “From engineers and technicians to fuel suppliers and logistics providers, this will naturally create more jobs and deepen local capacity.”

He further noted that improved access to aircraft would enable airlines to open new domestic and regional routes, particularly to underserved destinations, enhancing connectivity, stimulating commerce and supporting broader national development goals.

Osamo also highlighted the role played by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, in pushing reforms aimed at revamping the sector.

He said the minister’s engagement with international aviation stakeholders, emphasis on regulatory clarity and commitment to restoring credibility to Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem had laid a solid foundation for reforms such as the Cape Town Convention.

“The minister has been deliberate in addressing legacy issues in the aviation sector,” Osamo said.

“From improving Nigeria’s global aviation standing to engaging lessors, financiers, and international partners, this signing reflects a broader reform agenda already underway.”

He described the development as a foundational policy shift which, if properly implemented and complemented by further reforms, could reposition Nigeria as an attractive destination for aircraft leasing, aviation services and regional air transport operations.

Urging sustained collaboration between government, regulators and private sector stakeholders, Osamo stressed that the full benefits of the convention must be deliberately harnessed.

“The signing of the Cape Town Convention is not just a legal exercise; it is an economic enabler,” he said.

“It sends a strong message that Nigeria is open for business and serious about building a sustainable, growth-driven aviation industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”