…touts PPP successes, eyes future expansion
The Federal Goveenment has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to drive sustainable growth in the country’s aviation and aerospace sector.
Speaking at the 10th Airport Business Summit Expo 2025 in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development stressed the government’s strategic push to involve private capital and expertise in developing critical aviation infrastructure.
He noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, PPPs have become a core component of national economic planning, especially in the aviation sector, which plays a pivotal role in trade, tourism, connectivity, and competitiveness.
According to him, the Ministry, working under the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) framework, has already executed several high-impact PPP projects.
These include airport terminal concessions in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, as well as Build-Operate-Transfer models for facilities such as cargo terminals, maintenance hangars, and airport hotels.
While, the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MM2) was cited as a flagship example of PPP success in West Africa.
Dr. Kana said, the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of new concession agreements further signals the government’s intent to deepen private sector involvement.
He pointed out that, partnerships with global organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and private equity investors have also broadened funding options for key infrastructure projects.
“Our engagement with international partners—including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), African Development Bank (AfDB), and private equity investors—has created new avenues for funding critical infrastructure without overburdening public finances”.
Recognizing the importance of a stable investment climate, the Ministry, he noted has collaborated with other federal agencies to simplify procedures, improve transparency, and reduce risk for investors.
“Our Airport Development Master Plan is aligned with national economic priorities and regional development goals. This has been complemented by legislative reforms, enhanced regulatory oversight through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the upgrade of aviation security and safety infrastructure—all of which build investor confidence.
Looking ahead, the government is eyeing further PPP opportunities in areas such as air navigation services, aerotropolis development, and aerospace technology parks.
These future-oriented initiatives, Dr. Kana emphasized aim to position Nigeria as a regional hub for aviation services, aircraft maintenance, and even space technology.
The Permanent Secretary extended an open invitation to investors, both domestic and international, to view Nigeria not merely as a market, but as a long-term partner.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to safety, infrastructure resilience, and productive collaboration with the private sector.
“With the private sector as a strategic ally. We are confident that the Nigerian aviation sector will not only meet the aspirations of today but also soar into the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen