The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has announced that Nigeria recorded more than 18.8m domestic and international air passengers in 2025. This figure represents an 11.9% year-on-year increase and places Nigeria as the fourth-largest aviation market in Africa. Kuku disclosed this information at the ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Abuja.
The conference, themed "Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience," brought together aviation leaders, airport executives, regulators, financiers, technology providers, and other stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. As Vice President of the Airports Council International Africa, Kuku highlighted Nigeria's expanding role in the continent's aviation market. She emphasized that the growth is evidence of Nigeria's increasing significance in African aviation.
According to Kuku, recent industry figures indicate continued expansion in African aviation. International Air Transport Association data shows 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, which experienced a 0.1% decline during the same period. Africa's overall passenger demand increased by 5.2%, placing the continent behind only Latin America and the Caribbean in growth.
Nigeria is contributing significantly to Africa's aviation growth, with an increase in scheduled airline capacity and renewed interest from carriers operating in the country's market. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, recorded the fastest growth in scheduled seat capacity among Africa's 10 largest airports in September, with a 24.1% increase. Nigeria's total scheduled airline capacity for September 2026 stood at 1.19m seats, representing a 37.4% increase over the corresponding period of the previous year.
Kuku attributed the expansion to factors including currency reforms, new aircraft leasing arrangements, and growing confidence among international airlines seeking to operate in Nigeria. She noted that several airlines have resumed operations in Nigeria since the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development took office, and more are expected soon. The growth in passenger traffic has significant economic implications, supporting livelihoods, economic growth, and connectivity.
Despite the positive figures, Kuku cautioned against interpreting passenger growth as evidence that the continent's aviation challenges have been resolved. Africa still accounts for only about 1% of global air traffic, despite having approximately 18% of the world's population. Kuku identified funding constraints, infrastructure deficits, high operating costs, fragmented connectivity, and pressure to maintain affordable airport charges while providing world-class facilities as some of the sector's persistent challenges.
To address these challenges, FAAN has focused on improving safety, increasing airport capacity, and modernizing critical infrastructure. The authority has undertaken projects such as the rehabilitation of a major runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, terminal upgrades, and improvements to airfield lighting. FAAN has also deployed digital technologies, including faster check-in systems, automated e-passport gates, enhanced security systems, and passenger-data analytics. The authority achieved ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications in January 2026, demonstrating its commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement.
Key points
- Nigeria recorded 18.8m air passengers in 2025, an 11.9% increase, and emerged as the 4th largest aviation market in Africa.
