The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, has identified policy inconsistencies and stalled concession processes as major obstacles discouraging private investment in Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.
Speaking at the 2026 first quarter Business Breakfast Meeting of the Aviation Safety RoundTable Initiative in Lagos, Kuku said Nigeria is still recovering from years of underinvestment, stressing that government alone cannot fund the scale of development required in the aviation sector.
In her presentation on transforming the Murtala Muhammed International Airport into a viable regional hub, she noted that uncertainty around investment models—particularly between concessions and institutional financing—has created hesitation among both local and international investors.She added that repeated but inconclusive attempts by successive administrations to concession major airports have further eroded investor confidence.
Despite the challenges, Kuku highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the reconstruction of Terminal One in Lagos and expansion of runways and aprons across key airports, aimed at positioning Nigeria as a regional aviation hub.
She explained that the MMIA project focuses on improving passenger processing, upgrading obsolete systems, and addressing long-standing operational inefficiencies.Industry stakeholders, however, warned that infrastructure development alone is insufficient to achieve hub status.
Aviation expert, Ado Sanusi, emphasized the need for strong indigenous airlines to drive connectivity, noting that successful global hubs are often anchored by dominant national carriers supported by enabling government policies.Similarly, airline operator George Uriesi said hub status depends significantly on transit traffic, explaining that at least 30 percent of passengers must be connecting travelers—a benchmark Nigeria currently struggles to meet due to its fragmented airline structure.
From a technology standpoint, Charlotte Essiet called for expansion beyond traditional aviation models to incorporate emerging innovations.Also speaking, Chairman of the International Airline Operators Committee, Damilola Ogunseye, urged better planning and execution in terminal renovations, warning against repeating past project management shortcomings.
He stressed the importance of anticipating future passenger growth rather than reacting to capacity constraints.A representative of a ground handling company, Sola Obabori, called for stronger collaboration among service providers and a more balanced cost structure, warning that high operating costs and financing challenges could affect airline sustainability.In his opening remarks, President of the Aviation Safety RoundTable Initiative, Ademola Onitiju, advocated for innovation, sustainability, and the adoption of global best practices, including open skies policies.
He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and collaboration would unlock the sector’s potential and drive economic growth.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen