Reviving Aviation Infrastructure: Nigeria’s Strategic Moves
The construction of the second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja is set to resume soon, following a recent approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This development marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has been undergoing substantial reforms and investments.
The Federal Government has also justified its $500 million investment in upgrading the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) terminal in Lagos. This move underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing key airports across the country, enhancing their capacity to meet growing demand and improve operational efficiency.
At the maiden Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS) held in Lagos, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, emphasized that Nigeria is ready for aviation business. The summit brought together stakeholders from Nigeria’s and Africa’s aviation ecosystem, with the theme “Unlocking Capital, Confidence and Capacity in Nigerian Aviation.”
Key revelations at the summit included Keyamo’s announcement of the contractor’s return to the site for the construction of the second runway in Abuja. This project, which has faced delays for over a decade, was initially conceptualized during the administration of late President Umar Yar’Adua in 2009. Despite annual budgetary provisions of N64bn during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, the project remained stalled.
The initial cost estimate for the second runway was N67bn, later revised to N92bn. However, the contractor, China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC), increased the project cost to about N532bn, leading to the abandonment of the site by workers. Keyamo confirmed that the contractor will now return to the site following fresh approval by the President.
He stated, “After Lagos, we are going to move somewhere else. Mr. President has approved that we go back to site, and the second runway in Abuja will be ready in no time.” The addition of a second runway is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and provide critical backup during emergencies or maintenance closures on the existing runway.
Keyamo explained that Nigeria’s ongoing investment in aviation infrastructure, particularly in Lagos, is part of a broader strategy to position the country as a leading aviation hub in Africa. With roughly half a billion dollars invested in the modernization of Lagos international airport infrastructure, Nigeria is making a clear statement that the gateway serving one of Africa’s most important aviation markets must match the scale of its responsibility.
The modernization drive is part of a broader reform agenda under the Tinubu administration aimed at unlocking growth across the aviation value chain and restoring investor confidence. Keyamo declared Nigeria open for investment, highlighting improvements in compliance architecture, creditor assurance, revenue repatriation, and local MRO development.
Reforms around the Cape Town Convention and its Aircraft Protocol have been central to improving access to aircraft financing and reducing risks for lessors and investors. Keyamo noted that these reforms matter because capital does not simply chase opportunity; it chases bankable certainty. Nigeria has worked to restore that certainty.
On financial credibility, Keyamo highlighted progress in clearing trapped airline funds, noting recognition by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA reported that Nigeria had cleared 98% of previously blocked airline funds by mid-2024, sending an important message to global airlines, financiers, and investors.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, emphasized the strategic effort to unlock financing and fleet expansion for Nigerian operators. He stated that the aviation sector requires coordinated reforms, noting that aircraft acquisition is capital-intensive, and without access to sustainable and affordable financing, fleet expansion and modernization may remain limited.
Najomo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the implementation of the Cape Town Convention, stressing that the country is resolute in abiding by the convention through a firm implementation of IDERA. He assured global investors that regulatory enforcement will remain firm, declaring that NCAA is enforcing IDERA with fidelity.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Umar, emphasized the importance of reliable air navigation systems and safety infrastructure. He stated that capital inflows into aviation require certainty, and that safety is not only a regulatory obligation but also an economic enabler.
Umar highlighted ongoing modernisation efforts, stating that Nigeria is upgrading communication architecture, expanding navigation capabilities, and modernising surveillance systems across the airspace. These efforts are foundational to supporting aircraft acquisition and airline operations, providing the operational backbone of the aviation ecosystem.
