The Federal Government has announced a major strategic shift in its aviation policy, signalling a renewed commitment to strengthening domestic airlines rather than reviving the long-debated national carrier project.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the disclosure in Lagos during the launch of “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects”, a commemorative book authored by veteran aviation journalist, Wole Shadare.
Keyamo explained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is prioritising policies aimed at empowering local operators through regulatory reforms and support systems that will enable growth and long-term sustainability.
“Our focus has shifted,” the minister stated. “We are now committed to promoting the growth of local operators through targeted policies.”
Among the policy adjustments is a recent overhaul of insurance requirements for leased aircraft a move designed to ease acquisition hurdles and, ultimately, reduce airfares nationwide. The minister also noted ongoing initiatives to boost personnel training, close revenue leakages, and improve operational efficiency across the sector.
In another key update, Keyamo revealed that most international airlines flying into Nigeria have begun using local catering services in compliance with a government directive an effort aimed at increasing local economic participation in aviation logistics.
He also announced that plans are underway to construct a smart airport in Nigeria, pending presidential approval. Keyamo criticised the outdated condition of the old terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, describing it as virtually unchanged since 1997 and in need of total reconstruction.
Speaking at the same event, Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), offered a comprehensive overview of the sector’s growth and current status.
Kuku reported that Nigeria now has 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports, and over 2,100 licensed pilots. She said the aviation sector contributes approximately $1.7 billion to Nigeria’s GDP and serves as a growing hub for regional and international traffic, with over 16 million domestic and 3.5 million international passengers recorded last year.
However, she acknowledged that challenges such as aging infrastructure, regulatory bottlenecks, and funding limitations remain persistent barriers.
“This journey has not been devoid of turbulence,” Kuku remarked. “Post-independence, we had to rethink colonial infrastructure to build a sovereign aviation industry. While Nigeria Airways was our initial answer, it fell to operational inefficiencies and mismanagement. The private sector then stepped in introducing capital, modern practices, and competitive energy.”
Kuku credited airlines such as Air Peace and Arik Air with reshaping Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, calling the country a clear example of how market-driven reforms can deliver transformative outcomes.
Author Wole Shadare described his book as a 25-chapter exploration of a century of aviation in Nigeria, detailing its milestones, missteps, and future prospects. He noted that the publication is intended as a resource for both scholars and industry professionals seeking to understand the evolution of flight in Nigeria.
