President Tinubu Calls for Strategic Investments in Nigeria’s Aviation Sector, Unveils Reform Agenda

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined a comprehensive vision for transforming Nigeria into Africa’s premier aviation investment destination, emphasizing significant opportunities in airport infrastructure, aircraft leasing, maintenance, and training. Speaking through Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume at the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference in Lagos, the President highlighted ongoing regulatory simplification, enhanced transparency, and targeted incentives as key components of the government’s strategy.

The President identified Nigeria’s compelling market advantages, including its 220-million-strong population, representing Africa’s largest domestic aviation market, strategic geographic positioning for continental connectivity, and a rapidly growing middle class whose travel demand is projected to double within ten years. He emphasized concrete opportunities in cargo handling, MRO services, aircraft leasing, and aviation-linked real estate within the $1.7 trillion AfCFTA market framework.

Highlighting infrastructure advancements, President Tinubu noted the commissioning of new international terminals in Lagos and Port Harcourt, major rehabilitation works at Abuja, Enugu, and Kano airports, and the development of frameworks for a sustainable national carrier. He particularly emphasized emerging investment frontiers including aviation cargo corridors integrated with Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, MRO infrastructure development to reduce capital flight, and aviation training partnerships through the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced federal approval for a new Lekki corridor airport, designed to handle five million passengers annually and accommodate Airbus A380 aircraft. The project, currently seeking funding and private partnerships, aims to decongest Murtala Muhammed International Airport while supporting the state’s multi-modal transportation strategy. Collaboration with Ogun State on aviation logistics, e-commerce, and logistic parks was also highlighted.

The conference featured endorsements from FAAN Board Chairman Dr. Umaru Abdullahi Ganduje and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, who emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to sector repositioning through public-private partnerships. Managing Director of FAAN Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku directly appealed to global investors and aviation unions, positioning current capacity gaps as investment opportunities and emphasizing that private capital would complement rather than replace workforce development.

State governors including Borno’s Babagana Zulum, Imo’s Hope Uzodimma, and Ogun’s Dapo Abiodun presented aviation investment opportunities within their jurisdictions, signaling nationwide alignment with the federal government’s aviation transformation agenda.