By Nosa Aituamen
Nigeria’s aviation industry, long plagued by neglect and outdated infrastructure, is experiencing a significant resurgence, driven by the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Over the past two years, a focused political will has breath new life into the sector, with stakeholders praising the visible improvements across the country’s airports with flight and other operations taking place in the facilities.
At the heart of this transformation is a five-point agenda targeting safety, infrastructure, regulation, capacity building, and economic growth.
This vision is already yielding results. Nigeria’s compliance with the Cape Town Convention has jumped from 49.5% to 75.5%, boosting international investor confidence and attracting foreign direct investment.
A major step forward is the adoption of the Irrevocable De-registration and and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) and practice direction, legal framework, which guarantees aircraft lessors the right to recover their assets, positioning Nigeria as a trusted aviation hub.
“They are now taking Nigeria serious that we are ready for business, we are now fully compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the biggest lessors in the world have entered into some many MoU’s with our local operators”.
According to stakeholders, thanks to improved policies and clearer financial structures, local airlines are now expanding their fleets and exploring new markets.
“The truth is that, the minister is very supportive, the trip he made to France was to seek the collaboration of lessors worldwide so, that, they could be leasing planes on dry lease instead of wet lease to Nigerian airlines.
“We must commend the minister on his vigorous push to address long overdue industry issues, things changed as he commenced. I praise the president for what this administration has done for the aviation industry”.
Infrastructure upgrades are also in full swing. Lagos’ long-abandoned second runway has been reactivated, and the refurbished E-Wing Terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport is now open. Similar overhauls are ongoing at airports in Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, from lighting systems to conveyor belts and terminal roofing.
These developments are part of a larger plan to concession key airports, with goals of digitizing operations, improving safety, and increasing cargo capacity.
Managing Director, FAAN Mrs Olubunmi Kuku says these terminal upgrades are vital to rejuvenating the aviation sector.
“The airports are cleaner, they are friendlier in terms of the atmosphere, we lit up some of those airports more and are more spacious in certain areas”.
Regulatory frameworks are also getting stronger, as the Director General, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo reports improved safety oversight and growing investor confidence.
“Enhanced surveillance is one of the pillars of the NCAA and with the full political backing in enforcing regulations and the regulation is no respecter of persons”.
And there’s more, under the administration, Nigeria has expanded its global footprint by signing multiple Bilateral Air Services Agreements, BASAs with countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
These deals mean more direct international flights, greater connectivity, and a stronger position in global air transport.
On the commercial front, local airline Air Peace has broken the monopoly on the Lagos–London route, now flying directly to London Gatwick.
According to the chairman, Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, the airline’s entry brings competitive fares and more options for Nigerian travelers.
“The aviation industry since the coming of President Bola Tinubu has improved a lot, the ease of doing business has arrived”.
Meanwhile, the government has cleared trapped funds owed to foreign airlines, prompting the return of carriers like Emirates. A new MoU with Boeing also promises to strengthen local aircraft maintenance, safety, and MRO capabilities.
With clear policies, modern infrastructure, and renewed investor trust, Nigeria’s aviation sector is cruising into a promising future, proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just airborne, but gaining altitude.