The federal government says it is prioritising policy reforms that support domestic airlines, signalling a departure from its long-running pursuit of a national carrier.
This shift, announced by the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, places private operators at the heart of Nigeria's aviation future, with the aim of strengthening homegrown capacity and driving business growth across the sector.
Speaking in Lagos at the launch of a new book by veteran aviation journalist Wole Shadare, Keyamo said recent reforms — including easier insurance regulations for leased aircraft — are already making it simpler for local airlines to scale operations and cut airfares.
"Our focus has shifted," the minister said. "We are now committed to promoting the growth of local operators through targeted policies."
Keyamo noted that the administration of president Bola Tinubu is determined to make the operating environment more attractive for indigenous businesses, as part of efforts to expand Nigeria's aviation economy.
He added that most foreign airlines now comply with the directive to patronise Nigerian-owned catering services for in-flight meals, creating new revenue opportunities for local SMEs in the food and logistics space.
In a major infrastructure move, Keyamo announced plans for a smart airport project — pending presidential approval — and criticised the poor state of the old terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, which he said has not seen significant upgrades since 1997.
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The managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, also spoke at the event. She said Nigeria now has 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports, and over 2,100 licensed pilots, reflecting steady growth in the sector.
Kuku said the aviation sector currently contributes about $1.7 billion to Nigeria's GDP and presents a viable growth market for private investors, despite persistent infrastructure and financing gaps.
"Airlines like Air Peace and Arik Air have reshaped the aviation landscape through private capital and innovation," she said. "We are seeing growing efficiency in domestic routes, and international carriers now see Nigeria as a key market."
She encouraged small businesses to tap into opportunities across the aviation value chain, from aircraft servicing to ground handling and food supply.
The book, titled 100 years of civil aviation in Nigeria: history, issues and prospects, chronicles the evolution of Nigeria's aviation industry and provides insights into the challenges and emerging opportunities within the sector.
