Nigeria eyes aviation hub standing to spice up financial system

Key gamers in Nigeria’s aviation trade are set to assemble in Lagos to deliberate on methods for positioning the nation as a significant aviation hub, with stakeholders anticipated to talk extensively on how the sector can considerably enhance the nation’s Gross Home Product.

The assembly, convened by the Aviation Security Spherical Desk Initiative, can be held on March 26, 2026, in Lagos, as a part of its 2026 first-quarter Enterprise Breakfast Assembly.

In line with a press release by the Publicity Secretary of the group, Albinus Chiedu, the occasion, with the theme “Boosting Aviation Sector Contribution to GDP: The Significance of an Aviation Hub,” is predicted to stimulate high-level discussions round coverage course, infrastructure improvement, and personal sector participation within the aviation ecosystem.

In aviation, a hub is a central airport the place an airline concentrates its operations, routing passengers and cargo from a number of origins by way of that airport to their closing locations, somewhat than working solely direct point-to-point flights. A hub is believed to be a supply of additional prosperity for a rustic’s aviation sector.

Saying the assembly, Albinus mentioned the gathering would offer a platform for crucial conversations on how Nigeria can leverage its geographic benefit and rising passenger visitors to turn out to be a central air transport hub in Africa.

The assertion mentioned, “The target of this Enterprise Breakfast Assembly is to convey trade stakeholders collectively to look at how the attainment of an aviation hub standing can positively influence Nigeria’s GDP and financial improvement.”

On the centre of the discourse would be the Managing Director/Chief Government Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, who is predicted to ship the lead paper.

Her presentation, in line with ASRTI, “will set the tone for strong engagements on sensible pathways to boosting the aviation sector’s contribution to GDP by way of the event of hub infrastructure and enhanced operational effectivity.”

The assembly will function two panel periods, drawing contributors from throughout the aviation worth chain, together with airline operators, airport managers, and allied service suppliers.

Among the many panelists are George Uriesi, Chief Government Officer of Ibom Air Restricted; Dr Wale Babalakin, Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Providers Restricted; Capt. Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors; and Djamel Muradov of Air France/KLM.

Talking on the anticipated contributions of the panelists, ASRTI acknowledged that, “These trade leaders will share sensible insights on airline operations, airport administration, and the crucial necessities for constructing a globally aggressive aviation hub in Nigeria.”

The second panel will deal with the position of aviation allied companies in driving financial development, that includes specialists resembling Dr Thomas Ogungbangbe of CITA Aviation Fuelling, Dr Segun Musa of Widescope Worldwide Group, Motayo Williams of Nigerbird Engineering Restricted, Damilola Ogunseye of the Worldwide Airways Operators Committee, and Dr Seinde Fadeni, Chairman of NAHCO Plc and LSG Sky Cooks.

Albinus added, “The allied enterprise section will look at how help companies resembling fuelling, floor dealing with, engineering, logistics, and in-flight catering can considerably improve worth creation and contribute to GDP development when correctly built-in right into a hub system.”

ASRTI additional disclosed that the Managing Administrators of AVSATEL Communications and Dominion Air would additionally take part within the discussions, bringing views from communications and rising aviation companies.

He additional mentioned, “For the reason that inception of the Enterprise Breakfast Conferences in 2015, the platform has persistently pushed advocacy and contributed to enhancements throughout key areas of the aviation trade, together with security, infrastructure, airline administration, financing, and regulatory practices.

“The BBM has remained a veritable platform for shaping coverage conversations and fostering collaboration amongst stakeholders in direction of the sustainable improvement of Nigeria’s aviation sector.”

ASRTI, described as Nigeria’s foremost not-for-profit physique of aviation professionals, reiterated its dedication to selling world finest practices and strengthening the financial viability of the trade.