Idu Decries Airport Land Misuse, Calls for Reform

BY ANTHONY OMOH

Convener, Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE), Mr. Fortune Idu, has raised serious concerns over the degradation of airport land infrastructure and the unregulated encroachment by fuel depots and government agencies. He described the current trend as a major threat to Nigeria’s aviation future.

To address the crisis, Idu urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to conduct a comprehensive land-use assessment across federal airport properties. He said this would help identify misuse, free up essential land, and serve as a foundation for concluding airport master plans.

“This assessment will inform policies that halt reckless acquisition and allow us to properly structure airport development within a planned, design-built environment,” he noted.

He stressed, “It is disheartening to see the deterioration of airport land infrastructure and the unplanned partitioning of federal airport spaces,” Idu said, during his keynote address at the 25th ABSE.

According to him, Nigeria’s airports now have more tank farms and fuel contractors than operating aircraft, an imbalance that undermines true aviation growth. “One wonders why every fuel depot wants a space at the airport. This does not necessarily generate additional revenue for the airport,” he added.

Idu warned that indiscriminate construction by government agencies on prime airport land has created clutter and congestion, making airports appear full when they are not. “This is one of the biggest threats to airport development, future expansion, business, and national value,” he stressed.

He emphasized that airports are special economic zones, and that their development should follow a structured, long-term plan. “Airports have a gestation period of 25 years. Those who see empty airport land as wasteland are shortsighted. That land is the future,” he said.

“Airport sites are essential national infrastructure that can drive economic development through mobility and cargo connectivity. But this must be planned, preconceived, and programmed,” he concluded.

Idu stressed that Nigeria’s over 30 airports are critical to economic growth, serving as fast mobility links for passengers and cargo across the country. But he cautioned that building airports alone does not guarantee their sustainability.

“Sustaining airport operations requires more than construction. It demands adequate funding, regulatory support, and investor participation to ensure safe and viable air services,” he said.