Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Is Africa’s Most Under-exploited Market — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s aviation sector remains one of the most viable and under-exploited markets in Africa, calling on local and international investors to take advantage of the vast opportunities in the industry.

The President made the declaration at the opening of the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) in Lagos, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

President Tinubu said the fundamentals of Nigeria’s aviation industry place it at the centre of Africa’s future growth in air transport, noting that “there has never been a better time than now” to invest in the sector.

In a statement by special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu emphasised that the market was supported by an expanding population, rising travel demand, and the country’s unique geographical position.

“The opportunities abound because Nigeria’s aviation industry remains one of the most viable and under-exploited markets in Africa. With over 220 million people, a strategic geographic position, fast-growing travel demand, and a $1.7 trillion AfCFTA-driven regional market, this sector offers real, ready, and bankable opportunities for investors,” the President said.

He identified cargo operations, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, aircraft leasing, charter operations, and aviation-linked real estate as areas ripe for investment.

President Tinubu assured stakeholders that his administration was committed to simplifying regulatory processes, promoting transparency, and offering incentives across critical aviation value chains to attract and sustain investment.

He said the government’s focus was to build a globally competitive aviation ecosystem anchored on private-sector growth, innovation, and safety.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership and Global Engagements,” the President noted that aviation remained a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s economic agenda.

He listed major achievements recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the commissioning of new international terminals in Lagos and Port Harcourt, extensive rehabilitation of airports in Abuja, Enugu, and Kano, strengthened regulatory oversight, expansion of cargo and MRO facilities, and the ongoing development of a transparent framework for a national carrier.

President Tinubu also outlined emerging opportunities expected to shape the next decade of Nigerian aviation.

These include aviation cargo and agro-export corridors, expanded MRO capacity to reduce capital flight, development of smart and green airports incorporating renewable energy and advanced digital systems, and upgraded aviation training programmes through decentralised NCAT centres.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to aviation safety, operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and full compliance with international standards.

He said upcoming civil aviation policy reforms will support modern airport operations, enhance customer experience, and strengthen investor confidence.

He commended the Minister of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and all agencies in the sector for providing purposeful leadership and maintaining steady progress. He urged conference participants to build on the momentum and help shape the future of the industry.

“The future of Nigerian aviation is bright and full of promise. Together—government, private sector, and international partners—we shall build a safer, stronger, and more globally connected aviation industry”, President Tinubu said.

The President formally declared the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference open and urged all stakeholders to continue working together to “keep Nigeria flying higher.”