Lagos, FCT, and Rivers Account for 70% of Aviation’s N215.6bn GDP Contribution

Nigeria’s aviation sector contributed ₦215.6 billion to the national economy in 2023, with three regions; Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, and Rivers State, generating ₦150.9 billion, representing 70.04% of the sector’s total output. The latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report reveals the concentrated nature of aviation’s economic impact, underscoring the dominance of these key transportation hubs.

The FCT emerged as the leading contributor with ₦69.88 billion (32.4% of sector GDP), followed closely by Lagos at ₦62.64 billion (29%), and Rivers State with ₦22.91 billion (10.6%). The top ten performing states collectively accounted for over 95% of the aviation sector’s total contribution.

Other significant contributors included Delta (₦10.27bn), Kano (₦7.41bn), Imo (₦6.74bn), Enugu (₦5.72bn), Edo (₦5.17bn), Akwa Ibom (₦4.45bn), and Borno (₦2.66bn). In contrast, several states recorded minimal aviation activity, with Benue, Jigawa, Niger, Kebbi, and Bauchi each generating less than ₦300 million. Ten states; including Abia, Bayelsa, and Ogun recorded no aviation-related GDP due to limited or non-existent commercial airport operations.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) corroborated these findings, reporting $1.7 billion in total sector contribution to GDP. Passenger traffic figures further emphasized the industry’s scale, with over 16 million domestic and 3.5 million international passengers recorded in 2023.

This concentration highlights both the strength and vulnerability of Nigeria’s aviation sector. While established hubs in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt serve as vital gateways for business and tourism, significant portions of the country remain underserved. Industry analysts note that sustainable growth will require both enhancing capacity in existing hubs and expanding air connectivity to underserved regions, particularly as passenger demand continues to rise.

The NBS report provides a clear economic mapping of Nigeria’s aviation landscape, emphasizing the need for strategic investment in airport infrastructure and regional connectivity to ensure more balanced economic distribution across the country.