The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, has disclosed that Nigeria's 28 airports handle approximately 19.5 million passengers annually, which translates to less than 9% of the country's population of 220 million. This revelation was made at the opening of the Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition 2026 in Abuja. Onabanjo-Kuku highlighted the vast potential for growth in Nigeria's aviation sector.
Onabanjo-Kuku identified several challenges facing Nigeria's aviation sector, including funding constraints, infrastructure gaps, high operating costs, fragmented connectivity, and pressure to keep charges low while delivering world-class facilities. She noted that these challenges are being addressed at the conference. The theme of the conference, “Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience,” reflects the efforts to overcome these obstacles.
According to Onabanjo-Kuku, Africa's aviation sector is showing promising growth. Citing data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), she reported that African airlines recorded a 6.4% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand in July 2026. This growth rate surpasses the global average, indicating a positive trend for the continent's aviation industry.
Nigeria's aviation market is a significant contributor to Africa's growth story, ranking as the fourth-largest in Africa. In 2025, the country recorded over 18.8 million domestic and international passengers, representing an 11.9% year-on-year increase. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos has experienced remarkable growth, with a 24.1% increase in scheduled seat capacity among Africa's ten largest airports in September.
The growth in Nigeria's aviation sector is driven by several factors, including currency reforms, new aircraft leasing agreements, and growing confidence from international carriers. According to OAG data, Nigeria's total scheduled airline capacity for September 2026 reached 1.19 million seats, a 37.4% increase from the same period last year. This makes Nigeria the fastest-growing among Africa's top ten aviation markets.
Since 2023, FAAN has been on a transformation journey aimed at modernizing infrastructure and improving passenger experience. The agency has prioritized safety and capacity, rehabilitating a major runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, upgrading terminals, and improving airfield lighting. A Passenger Experience Hub has been established to focus on speed, predictability, comfort, and human assistance.
The ACI Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition 2026 provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Africa's aviation sector. With Nigeria at the forefront of growth, the conference aims to drive performance and resilience in the industry. Key players are expected to share insights and strategies for sustainable growth and development.
Key points
- Nigeria's 28 airports handle approximately 19.5 million passengers annually, less than 9% of the country's population.
- African airlines recorded a 6.4% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand in July 2026.
- Nigeria's aviation market ranks as the fourth-largest in Africa, with over 18.8 million domestic and international passengers recorded in 2025.
