The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) has called for a deliberate aviation hub strategy to accelerate growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector, boost its contribution to the economy, and position the country as a regional powerhouse.
Speaking at the 2026 first quarter Business Breakfast Meeting, ASRTI President, Adeola Onitiju, said the sector holds significant untapped potential despite contributing between $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion annually to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Onitiju noted that the industry currently supports over 216,000 jobs across direct, indirect, and induced value chains, while aviation-linked tourism contributes an estimated $454.1 million to the economy.
He, however, identified infrastructure gaps, operational inefficiencies, and rising costs as major constraints limiting the sector’s growth.
According to him, air transport activities in Nigeria remain heavily concentrated in key cities, with Lagos accounting for about 29 per cent, Abuja 32 per cent, and Port Harcourt 10.6 per cent, together contributing over 70 per cent of the sector’s GDP impact.
The ASRTI President explained that the forum was convened to examine the role of aviation hubs in expanding the sector’s economic footprint and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global air transport.
“As a body of seasoned aviation professionals, we do not claim a monopoly of knowledge. This is why we have brought together industry leaders and experts to provide practical solutions and implementation strategies that will move the sector forward”, he said.
Onitiju also commended ongoing efforts by government and industry leaders, particularly plans to refurbish the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), describing it as a bold step that requires strategic input from stakeholders.
He said the initiative aims to generate policy recommendations, constructive critique, and industry-backed solutions to ensure the project meets global standards and national expectations.
The ASRTI outlined an ambitious vision for MMIA, projecting it as a regional and global hub capable of handling up to 30 million passengers annually, connecting over 50 airlines to more than 100 destinations worldwide.
The group emphasised the need for modern infrastructure, seamless passenger experience, continuous innovation, and strong maintenance culture.
It also advocated the adoption of an open skies policy to attract more international airlines, boost competition, and improve connectivity.
Onitiju further stressed the importance of human capital development, urging investment in aviation training institutions and policies that attract global talent to bridge existing skill gaps.
He reiterated the group’s longstanding position on creating a business-friendly environment through lower taxes and charges, transparent regulations, and access to financing for aviation-related businesses.
The ASRTI also renewed its call for increased use of public-private partnerships to fund critical aviation infrastructure, noting that collaboration between government and private investors remains the most viable path to sustainable development in the sector.
In addition, the group urged stakeholders to prioritise green aviation practices, including the adoption of sustainable fuels and the development of eco-friendly airports.
The meeting brought together key industry players to deliberate on strategies for transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector into a major driver of economic growth through innovation, policy reforms, and infrastructure development.