With the President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s ambitious plans to tackle decades-old airport infrastructure challenges, Nigeria’s aviation industry stakeholders have assessed is on the cusp of a major transformation.
According to the stakeholders, these initiatives will not only enhance passenger experience but also unlock new revenue streams for airlines.
Air Peace Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, highlighted the significance of addressing inadequate airport infrastructure, citing it as a major barrier to Nigerian airlines’ growth and profitability. He noted that the lack of proper transit facilities at key airports has hindered the country’s ability to function as a regional hub, resulting in lost passengers and revenue for airlines.
The current state of airport infrastructure in Nigeria has made it difficult for domestic carriers to integrate regional routes into global connections, with passengers having to clear immigration, undergo customs checks, and recheck baggage while transiting through the country. This has led to Nigerian airports losing their competitive edge to other African airports.
However, Onyema welcomed the government’s recent interventions, including plans to rebuild Lagos airport facilities to accommodate modern transit operations. He expressed confidence that with sustained focus, Nigeria could possess the infrastructure needed to compete with Africa’s leading aviation hubs within two years.
The planned upgrades are expected to act as a form of indirect financing for airlines, reducing operational inefficiencies and costs while creating conditions for sustainable expansion. With the right facilities in place, Nigerian carriers could potentially match the success of leading African airlines within the next decade.
To achieve this vision, the Nigerian government has approved the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which aims to invest in critical national projects, including aviation infrastructure upgrades. The fund seeks to attract capital, execute strategic projects, and utilise low-interest loans to drive economic growth.
Estimates suggest that Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure needs a significant investment of around $5 billion to upgrade the country’s airports and support smoother operations.
With the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges, Nigeria’s aviation sector may finally be on track to realising its full potential.