The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Nigeria is implementing policies to enhance aviation infrastructure, attract airlines, and establish more direct routes across Africa. Speaking at the 2026 ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, Keyamo highlighted the government's commitment to upgrading airport and aviation infrastructure nationwide. He cited ongoing projects at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and other infrastructure developments at several airports.
Keyamo emphasized that policy changes in the sector have encouraged new routes and increased airline interest in the Nigerian market. He noted that Nigeria's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety score has improved significantly, rising from 49.5 per cent to 75.5 per cent, the highest in Africa. This improvement is attributed to the government's efforts to enhance aviation regulation and increase access to aircraft.
The minister linked the increased availability of aircraft and competition among airlines to a reduction in airfares. He acknowledged that while airfares have decreased, the sector has not yet reached its desired level. Keyamo attributed the reduction in airfares to healthy competition among airlines, which has been facilitated by increased access to aircraft.
Keyamo stated that the government's aviation policies are designed for long-term impact rather than quick fixes. He noted that the effects of some measures are gradually becoming evident. The minister also highlighted Nigeria's role in championing the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), aimed at easing movement between African countries.
The reopening of direct air connectivity between Abuja and Yaoundé is cited as an example of emerging changes. Keyamo mentioned that several other applications for new African routes are under consideration. He also emphasized that the conference has provided opportunities for Nigerian airport operators to engage directly with original equipment manufacturers, airlines, and other aviation technology providers.
Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Chairman of the FAAN Governing Board, stressed that improving interconnectivity should be a major outcome of the conference. He advocated for cooperation among governments, airport operators, airlines, and other stakeholders, as well as investment in infrastructure and technology, to achieve greater connectivity.
Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Vice President of ACI Africa, reported that Nigeria's aviation market has recorded significant passenger and capacity growth. She noted that Nigeria recorded over 18.8 million domestic and international passengers in 2025, representing an 11.9 per cent year-on-year increase.
Key points
- Nigeria's aviation sector has seen significant improvements in safety, with the ICAO safety score rising to 75.5 per cent.
- The government is pursuing policies to attract airlines and increase direct routes across Africa.
- Nigeria's aviation market has recorded significant passenger and capacity growth, with over 18.8 million passengers in 2025.
