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By Chinelo Obogo
The federal government has appealed to local and international investors to take advantage of the opportunities within Nigeria’s aviation sector, describing it as a “gateway to Africa’s economic transformation.”
The appeal was made at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference (FNAC2025), held in Lagos on Monday, with the theme: “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership and Global Engagements.”
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Ibrahim Kana, outlined some investment opportunities, which he said include the ongoing airport infrastructure modernisation.
He stated that the government wants investors to participate through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), which he said will guarantee profitable returns due to ongoing projects such as terminal modernization, runway rehabilitation, apron expansion, and the development of new cargo terminals.
He said: “Leveraging the Renewed Hope funding, we are modernising our terminals, rehabilitating runways, expanding aprons, and developing new cargo complexes. Some of these projects could be delivered transparently under PPP frameworks that guarantee viability and investor returns. FAAN is positioned to facilitate a regional MRO center that would serve West and Central Africa, addressing the billions of dollars Africa loses annually to offshore maintenance services. This initiative promises to reduce costs, retain capital within the continent, and create high-skill employment opportunities for Nigerians.
With Nigeria’s significantly improved legal framework for aviation financing, the environment is now conducive for the establishment of indigenous leasing firms. This presents a direct opportunity to deepen aviation financing and support airline fleet modernisation.
“With Nigeria’s agricultural and manufacturing potential, we plan to establish dedicated cargo and logistics hubs at key airports. These facilities are expected to unlock agro-export opportunities, reduce spoilage, and integrate Nigerian producers into global value chains.”
The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, who hosted the event, cited data projecting an increase in passenger traffic globally, saying that Africa is at the center of the next wave of expansion and that Nigeria will play a vital role.
Kuku acknowledged that Nigeria’s aviation sector faces challenges, including infrastructural gaps and economic issues, but urged that these be seen as investment opportunities.
“The fundamentals are undeniable: Africa’s largest population, a growing economy, and a strategic geographic position. The demand is here. Growth is inevitable. The only question is, who will have the foresight to be in the cockpit with us? The private investment we seek is not a replacement for our workforce; it is the catalyst for its growth. It will create better facilities, more advanced systems, and ultimately, more and better jobs for Nigerians,” she said.
