Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry say the future of the nation’s airports depends on one major decision, embracing well-structured public-private partnerships, PPPs.
Speaking at Airport Business Summit in Lagos, they insist government alone can no longer fund or manage airports to meet global standards.
The former Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Dr. Richard Aisuebeogun, described airport concession as “inevitable” if Nigeria is to modernise its airports, attract investment and turn them into engines of economic growth.
Drawing lessons from Europe and Latin America, Aisuebeogun said airports perform better when run as commercial enterprises under carefully regulated concessions.
He noted that private operators bring in capital, assume investment risks and introduce global best practices, while government retains its role as regulator.
According to him, “airports are strategic national assets, but they must be managed as businesses” to improve efficiency, customer service and national economic development.
That position was reinforced by Chief Operating Officer of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Mr. Remi Jibodu, who warned that the future of airport development is no longer about bigger terminals but smarter ones.
He said technology-driven airports powered by artificial intelligence, facial recognition and smart security will reduce congestion, improve passenger experience and boost revenue.
Mr. Jibodu stressed that stronger public-private partnerships are essential to deliver such transformation.
Also speaking, Regional General Manager of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Mr. Ahmed Danjuma, represented by the International Airport Manager, NAIA, Alhaji Abdullahi Lawal, identified ageing infrastructure, inadequate funding, cybersecurity threats, climate disruptions and growing passenger demand as major obstacles confronting airport operations.
He maintained that greater investment, digital transformation and public-private partnerships are critical to building resilient and competitive airports.
The commercial case was further strengthened by Regional Manager of Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, Mrs. Lynda Ifesinachi represented by the terminal manager Mr. Effiom Orok.
She disclosed that although the airport generated over ₦13 billion in 2025, about 85 percent came from aeronautical operations, exposing the need to diversify revenue.
The RGM Port Harcourt Airport said renegotiated concession agreements, expanded cargo facilities, commercial real estate and digital innovation could lift non-aeronautical earnings to 30 percent by 2027.
The stakeholders were unanimous that for Nigeria’s airports to compete globally, attract investors and deliver world-class passenger experience, government must increasingly play the role of regulator, while the private sector provides the capital, innovation and efficiency needed to keep the nation’s aviation industry flying higher.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen