The 2021 Nigeria Aviation Awards (NIGAV) aimed to recognize individuals and organizations that contributed to the aviation sector’s speedy recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Fortune Idu, Chairman of the Airport Business Summit and organizer of NIGAV, the awards focused on acknowledging the roles people and companies played in the industry’s swift recovery.

The aviation sector experienced significant growth, with air traffic almost returning to pre-pandemic levels. Idu emphasized the importance of recognizing the efforts of airport operations, airlines, and industry management in implementing policies and ensuring public compliance.

The NIGAV awards have positively impacted the sector over the past decade, promoting best practices among professionals. For instance, airport managers now strive to provide excellent service, knowing they can be recognized as the best airport manager of the year. Similarly, air hostesses and hosts have improved their treatment of passengers, competing for the title of “King and Queen of the Air,” which comes with a cash reward of up to N1 million.

This year’s awards were unique, as they took place in the NIGAV center, purpose-built to promote trade in the aviation industry. The center aims to facilitate regional, international, and local trade, solidifying the aviation sector’s role as a catalyst for economic growth.