Aviation start-up VivaJets has reiterated the strategic role of private aviation in accelerating Africa’s energy transformation, particularly within the oil and gas industry.
At the recently concluded Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja, where the firm participated as both sponsor and exhibitor, VivaJets executives argued that private aviation should no longer be considered a luxury, but critical infrastructure supporting energy operations.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, VivaJets Chief Executive Officer Erika Achum highlighted the operational demands of the oil and gas sector and the need for reliable mobility solutions.
“The oil and gas sector, though accounting for just 6% of Nigeria’s GDP, represents nearly 80% of our exports. In such a high-paced environment, dependable and flexible transportation is essential,” Achum stated. “Private aviation is no longer just for convenience — it is becoming a necessity for strategic advantage and efficiency.”
Held from June 29 to July 3, 2025, the 24th edition of NOG Energy Week brought together more than 7,000 attendees and 350 exhibitors from across the global energy value chain.
VivaJets Chief Operating Officer, Tejumade Salami, stressed that smart mobility is fundamental to the development of the energy sector.
“In a high-stakes industry like oil and gas, time is currency. Private aviation bridges the gap between strategy and execution, especially when dealing with remote operations, investor engagements, and rapid-response needs,” Salami said.
He added that VivaJets’ involvement in the conference underscores the increasing recognition of aviation as essential infrastructure — not only for executive transport but also for the logistics of high-impact industries.
