The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), on Friday, revealed that the country’s aviation industry has contributed approximately $1.7 billion to the national economy. This was made known by FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, during a public event held in Lagos.
Speaking at the unveiling of a new book titled “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria,” authored by veteran aviation journalist Mr. Wole Shadare, Kuku noted that this achievement reflects the important role played by private investment in revitalizing the aviation sector.
Kuku recalled the state of the industry at the time Nigeria gained independence in 1960. She explained that one of the early challenges was transforming colonial-era airport infrastructure into a modern system that could support a growing, sovereign nation. The creation of the now-defunct Nigeria Airways was an early attempt to address this challenge. However, operational and financial issues led to its collapse by the early 2000s.
“In the early 2000s, we found ourselves at a crossroad – adapt or risk obsolescence,” she said.
According to her, the shift came when private companies stepped in, offering new capital, efficient management, and a more competitive environment. Airlines like Air Peace and Arik Air became major players, not only replacing the void left behind by Nigeria Airways but also introducing better connectivity and services.
She provided some figures to back the industry’s progress: 39 certified airlines now operate within Nigeria, supported by 31 airports across the country. There are over 2,100 licensed pilots and thousands of other professionals including engineers and air traffic controllers. These numbers, she said, are proof that private sector involvement has transformed aviation in Nigeria.
More than 16 million passengers passed through domestic terminals last year, and another 3.5 million used international terminals. While these statistics are promising, Kuku noted that more can still be achieved.
She pointed out that infrastructure problems, funding gaps, and regulatory issues continue to pose challenges, but she described them as potential areas for future investment.
“Each challenge facing our aviation sector represents a potential investment awaiting realisation,” she said.
Kuku added that the next phase of aviation development in Nigeria would be driven by those who view the sky not just as airspace, but as a path to economic prosperity.
When commenting on the book launch, she praised Mr. Shadare’s work as a valuable resource for understanding the sector’s progress over the last century and for providing insights on what lies ahead.
“The industry and commitment he has exhibited as a journalist are evident throughout this book that we all convened here to celebrate,” she said.
