Six airports, a number of runways present process upgrades – FG

The Federal Authorities, by means of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, has introduced that six airports throughout the nation, in addition to a number of runways, are at present present process government-funded upgrades.

Managing Director/Chief Govt of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this on Monday on the 2025 FAAN Nationwide Aviation Convention, themed “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Trade by means of Funding, Partnership & World Engagements.”

Recall that the Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport is at present present process refurbishment value N712bn.

Talking on the occasion, the FAAN boss stated, “Underneath the visionary management of the Federal Authorities, now we have laid a sturdy basis. As we communicate, six airports and quite a few runways are present process a government-funded transformation. This can be a direct funding in our shared future, and we’re grateful for this decisive dedication.”

Kuku stated the widening hole between Nigeria’s airport capability and projected passenger demand has created new alternatives in terminal modernisation, cargo infrastructure, and the event of airport cities. She added that FAAN is searching for partnerships with world specialists in administration, floor dealing with, and logistics to enhance effectivity and profit from the sector’s progress.

In response to her, Nigeria should put money into future-focused applied sciences and sustainable options to strengthen its place in African aviation, including that Nigeria’s massive inhabitants, increasing financial system, and strategic geographic location provide important alternatives for buyers and stakeholders.

Kuku stated the aviation sector will not be solely recovering however experiencing new momentum. In response to IATA, world passenger site visitors is ready to achieve a historic 4.99bn this 12 months, decisively surpassing pre-pandemic ranges.

She stated, “The Airports Council Worldwide forecasts a surge to 9.7 billion passengers by 2040. And the place is the centre of this subsequent wave of progress? Africa. This isn’t only a statistic; it’s a sign. A sign of billions of journeys, connections, and alternatives ready to be unlocked. On the coronary heart of this chance lies Nigeria.”

Kuku additionally appealed to aviation unions to assist the sector’s reform efforts, stressing that, “That is why I make a direct attraction to our valued unions: embrace this new period of collaboration. Your understanding and partnership are the bedrock upon which we’ll construct.”

She stated that personal sector funding would improve, not substitute, the present aviation workforce. She defined, “The non-public funding we search will not be a alternative for our workforce; it’s the catalyst for its progress. It’ll create higher amenities, extra superior methods, and finally, extra and higher jobs for Nigerians. Allow us to work along with a shared imaginative and prescient to welcome the capital that may safe our collective future.”

President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, outlined key achievements recorded underneath the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in aviation infrastructure.

He listed the achievements as “commissioning of recent worldwide terminals in Lagos and Port Harcourt, boosting capability and repair high quality in addition to main rehabilitation works in Abuja, Enugu, Kano, and different airports to satisfy world security and effectivity necessities.”

Akume additional said that oversight and collaboration within the trade have strengthened the NCAA, ICAO, IATA, and NCAT to raise operational requirements. He stated additional that the cargo, hangar, and MRO expansions in Lagos and Kano are a part of efforts to place Nigeria as West Africa’s logistics and plane upkeep hub.

In response to him, the nationwide service framework is being developed with transparency, sustainability, and world finest practices in thoughts. These interventions, he stated, kind constructing blocks for a contemporary aviation ecosystem anchored on effectivity, non-public funding, security, and competitiveness.

“The federal government can’t shoulder these obligations alone however shall proceed to create an enabling setting for companies to thrive,” Akume stated.

Additionally on the occasion, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Growth, Festus Keyamo, recognized 4 main funding alternatives inside FAAN, that are: airport infrastructure modernisation, a world-class Upkeep, Restore and Overhaul hub, aviation leasing corporations, and cargo and logistics centres.

Keyamo, who was represented by the ministry’s Everlasting Secretary, Ibrahim Kana, stated Nigeria is at present modernising terminals, rehabilitating runways, increasing aprons, and creating new cargo complexes.

He emphasised the necessity to scale back the billions Africa loses yearly to offshore plane upkeep. He stated FAAN is positioned to determine a regional MRO facility serving West and Central Africa. Kana famous improved situations for aviation financing. He additionally stated Nigeria’s agricultural and manufacturing potential calls for environment friendly export gateways.

He stated, “With Nigeria’s considerably improved authorized standing for aviation financing, the setting is primed for indigenous leasing corporations. This can be a direct alternative to deepen aviation financing and assist airline fleet modernisation.

“Nigeria’s agricultural and manufacturing potential calls for environment friendly export gateways. Our plan for devoted cargo and logistics hubs at key FAAN airports will unlock agro-exports, scale back spoilage, and combine Nigerian producers into world worth chains.”