Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry are set to gather in Lagos to explore how establishing a functional aviation hub can significantly boost the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the 2026 First Quarter Business Breakfast Meeting (BBM) of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI).
Scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Golfview Hotels & Suites, Ikeja, with the theme, “Boosting Aviation Sector Contribution to GDP: The Importance of an Aviation Hub”, the forum will bring together top industry players to examine strategies for unlocking economic value across the aviation ecosystem.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, is expected to deliver the lead paper, setting the tone for discussions that will focus on policy direction, infrastructure development and industry collaboration.
The meeting will feature two high-level panel sessions comprising notable aviation leaders, including George Uriesi of Ibom Air, Dr. Wale Babalakin of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, Capt. Ado Sanusi of Aero Contractors, and Djamel Muradov of Air France/KLM.
Other experts billed for the discussions include Dr. Thomas Ogungbagbe of CITA Aviation Fuelling, Dr. Segun Musa of Widescope International Group, Motayo Williams of Nigerbird Engineering Limited, Damilola Ogunseye of the International Airlines Operators Committee, and Dr. Seinde Fademi of NAHCO Plc and LSG Sky Chefs.
Additionally, the Managing Directors of AVSATEL Communications and Dominion Air will contribute to discussions on the role of aviation allied services in driving sectoral growth.
Organisers noted that the forum will highlight how a well-structured aviation hub can enhance connectivity, attract investment, improve airline operations, and stimulate economic activities across allied industries.
Since its inception in 2015, the ASRTI Business Breakfast Meetings have served as a key advocacy platform influencing policy reforms and improvements in areas such as air safety, airport development, airline management, financing, infrastructure, security, and regulatory frameworks.
The ASRTI, a leading not-for-profit body of aviation professionals, continues to champion global best practices and sustainable development within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The upcoming session is expected to generate actionable insights to reposition the industry as a stronger contributor to national economic growth.