Nigerian govt announces major upgrades across six airports

The Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has announced that six airports and several runways nationwide are currently undergoing government-funded upgrades.

FAAN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this on Monday at the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference, themed “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership & Global Engagements.” She noted that the ongoing projects reflect the government’s decisive commitment to modernizing aviation infrastructure.

It will be recalled that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is presently undergoing a ₦712 billion refurbishment.

Kuku explained that Nigeria’s growing passenger demand has outpaced current airport capacity, creating opportunities in terminal modernization, cargo infrastructure, and the development of airport cities. She emphasized FAAN’s interest in partnering with global experts in management, ground handling, and logistics to boost efficiency and harness growth in the sector.

She further highlighted the need for future-focused technologies and sustainable solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s position in African aviation, pointing to the country’s large population, expanding economy, and strategic location as major advantages for investors.

According to IATA, global passenger traffic is expected to hit 4.99 billion in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Kuku added that Airports Council International projects 9.7 billion passengers by 2040, with Africa at the center of this growth.

“This is not just a statistic; it is a signal of billions of journeys, connections, and opportunities waiting to be unlocked. At the heart of this opportunity lies Nigeria,” she said.

Kuku also appealed to aviation unions to embrace reforms, stressing that private sector investment would complement, not replace, the existing workforce.

“Private investment is the catalyst for growth. It will create better facilities, advanced systems, and ultimately more jobs for Nigerians,” she explained.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, outlined achievements under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including:

Commissioning of new international terminals in Lagos and Port Harcourt
Major rehabilitation works in Abuja, Enugu, Kano, and other airports
Cargo, hangar, and MRO expansions in Lagos and Kano to position Nigeria as West Africa’s logistics and aircraft maintenance hub
Akume added that the government is developing a national carrier framework anchored on transparency, sustainability, and global best practices.

“The government cannot shoulder these responsibilities alone but will continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (represented by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana) identified four key investment opportunities:

Airport infrastructure modernization
A world-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub
Aviation leasing companies
Cargo and logistics centers
Kana emphasized the need to reduce Africa’s reliance on offshore aircraft maintenance, noting FAAN’s plan to establish a regional MRO facility for West and Central Africa. He also highlighted improved conditions for aviation financing and stressed that Nigeria’s agricultural and manufacturing potential requires efficient export gateways.

“Dedicated cargo and logistics hubs at key FAAN airports will unlock agro-exports, reduce spoilage, and integrate Nigerian producers into global value chains,” he said.