The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has intensified calls for international partnerships and private-sector investment to drive the modernisation of Airport infrastructure and strengthen the country’s aviation capacity.
Speaking during the opening of the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) in Lagos, the Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku said that global aviation is entering a period of rapid expansion, with International Air Transport Association IATA projecting 4.99 billion passengers in 2025.
Kuku cited Africa’s central role in the projected growth of nearly 10 billion travelers by 2040.
She acknowledged Nigeria’s infrastructure gaps, foreign exchange pressures, and outdated systems but framed them as “a clear investment portfolio” for both local and international partners.
Also citing International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO, she said “every dollar invested in aviation generates nearly four dollars in wider economic impact.”
Kuku highlighted the ongoing government-funded upgrades across six airports and multiple runways, alongside FAAN’s six strategic pillars, which focus on customer service, operational efficiency, governance, infrastructure expansion, and safety.
According to her, “FAAN has already recorded progress through staff training, partnerships with ATOM Aviation in Dubai, deployment of biometric systems at key airports, and its ongoing International Organization for Standardization ISO certification process.”
She urged investors to take advantage of opportunities in terminal modernisation, cargo development, airport cities, ground handling, logistics, and technology.
Kuku also appealed to Aviation Unions to support a more collaborative environment, emphasizing that private investment would create better systems and more jobs.
“This conference is our deal room. Over the next two days, we will move from dialogue to commitments,” she stated.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume said; “the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda has already delivered improvements in airport infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and cargo/MRO capacity.”
Akume listed recent projects including new international terminals in Lagos and Port Harcourt, upgrades in Abuja, Enugu, and Kano, and expanded logistics facilities in Lagos and Kano.
He emphasised Nigeria’s aviation potential, driven by a population of over 220 million, a growing middle class, and increasing demand for air travel.
Akume also highlighted opportunities for private participation in cargo corridors, agro-export terminals, MRO expansion, smart and green airport initiatives, and aviation training.
“There has never been a better time to invest,” he said.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo reinforced the message, stating that “Nigeria is strategically positioned as a regional aviation hub.”
He identified several areas open for private-sector participation, including airport modernisation, a regional MRO centre, aircraft leasing companies, and dedicated cargo/logistics.
“The foundation is solid, and the opportunities are clear. FNAC 2025 is a call to action,” the Minister said..
In his remarks, Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema urged stronger national support for indigenous airlines, warning that misinformation and unfair criticism weaken the sector.
He noted that Air Peace employs thousands of Nigerians and has consistently represented the country globally, including through humanitarian operations such as free evacuation flights during crises.
Other stakeholders, including Barnksforte and Gloversly, called for improved security and reliable electricity supply, maintaining that FAAN’s success depends on stronger basic infrastructure.
The 2025 FNAC Conference, themed “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership and Global Engagements,” brought together aviation regulators, governors, lawmakers, global industry leaders, and investors.
The event featured data-driven proposals, regulatory reforms, and financing models aimed at positioning Nigeria as a competitive aviation hub.
Mercy Chukwudiebere