The Federal Government has officially shelved plans for a national airline and is instead prioritizing the expansion and support of Nigeria’s private aviation sector, according to Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Speaking in Lagos at the launch of “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects”, a book authored by aviation journalist Wole Shadare, Keyamo explained that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has redirected its strategy toward strengthening local airlines through policy reforms and infrastructure renewal.
As part of this renewed focus, the minister announced plans to tear down the aging terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, making way for a new and modern facility. He described the current terminal as obsolete and stressed the need for Nigeria’s busiest airport to reflect international standards.
Keyamo emphasized that the government’s recent reforms, including changes to the insurance requirements on leased aircraft, are aimed at improving access to aviation assets and making domestic flights more affordable. He added that aviation professionals, including air traffic controllers, have undergone fresh rounds of training to improve safety and operational efficiency.
“In line with our policy shift, we’re creating an environment that enables domestic operators to thrive. We’ve addressed revenue leakages, introduced more favorable leasing conditions, and are enforcing policies to ensure international airlines patronize local in-flight caterers,” he said.
Also addressing the event, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, highlighted the sector’s growth, revealing that Nigeria currently boasts 39 certified airline operators, 31 operational airports, and over 2,100 licensed pilots. She said that these figures reflect an industry that has made significant progress despite lingering challenges.
Kuku noted that aviation contributes roughly $1.7 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with private carriers playing a pivotal role in connecting cities and supporting trade. She acknowledged ongoing difficulties such as infrastructure gaps and regulatory complexities but maintained that the sector holds enormous potential for further expansion.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s post-independence aviation history, she explained that while the defunct Nigeria Airways was once a symbol of national pride, its eventual decline opened the door for private airlines to reshape the industry. Companies like Air Peace and Arik Air have since led a market-driven transformation of the sector.
“The rise of private aviation in Nigeria illustrates the value of liberalized markets,” Kuku said. “We’ve seen domestic airlines fill the void with competitive services, while international carriers are recognizing Nigeria as a key hub in Africa.”
According to recent data, over 16 million passengers used domestic airports across the country in the past year, with international passenger traffic surpassing 3.5 million.
Author of the newly released book, Wole Shadare, described his 25-chapter publication as a detailed chronicle of the nation’s aviation journey—highlighting its milestones, missteps, and future possibilities.
