President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured local and foreign investors that Nigeria’s aviation industry is entering its strongest investment window in decades, declaring that “there has never been a better time to invest.” The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the statement at the opening of the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) in Lagos.
Tinubu said Nigeria remains Africa’s most viable and under-exploited aviation market, backed by a population of more than 220 million people, a fast-growing middle class, and a strategic geographic position suitable for trans-African and intercontinental connectivity. He also highlighted massive unmet demand across cargo, MRO, aircraft leasing, charter services, and aviation-linked real estate.
“These are not abstract possibilities; they are real market opportunities ready for investors,” Akume said, delivering the President’s keynote address at the Eko Hotel and Convention Centre.
President Tinubu further identified emerging frontiers that will drive the sector’s next wave of growth. These frontiers include dedicated aviation cargo corridors in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Makurdi; expansion of MRO facilities to curb capital flight; development of smart and green airports through digitisation and renewable energy; and a renewed focus on aviation training and human capital development through upgraded and decentralised NCAT systems.
Tinubu said these emerging opportunities are aligned with his administration’s economic diversification, job-creation and industrialisation goals.
Reforms Strengthening Nigeria’s Aviation Future
Earlier in his address, the President noted that the theme of FNAC 2025, “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership and Global Engagements” aligns perfectly with his goal of building an aviation sector that drives jobs, prosperity and national competitiveness.
He said aviation remains one of the world’s most technologically advanced sectors and continues to play a vital role in connecting people, driving tourism and trade, and supporting millions of jobs across multiple industries.
Akume stressed that in Africa, air transport promotes trade, tourism, territorial security, food supply, humanitarian operations and peacekeeping, adding that every terminal modernised and every runway rehabilitated contributes directly to regional and national development.
Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda Delivering Infrastructure Gains
President Tinubu said his administration has made significant progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in aviation infrastructure.
Some of the achievements highlighted include: Commissioning of new international terminals in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Major rehabilitation works at the Abuja, Enugu and Kano airports.
Strengthened regulatory oversight through enhanced collaboration between NCAA, ICAO, IATA and NCAT. Expansion of cargo, hangar and MRO facilities in Lagos and Kano.
Development of frameworks for a national carrier guided by transparency and global best practices.
Tinubu said these interventions are laying the foundation for a modern, efficient and competitive aviation ecosystem anchored on private-sector investment.
“Government cannot shoulder these responsibilities alone. Our role is to continue creating an environment where businesses can thrive,” he said.
Commitment to a Safe, Modern and Globally Competitive Sector
He assured stakeholders that Nigeria will sustain adherence to global aviation standards, streamline regulatory processes, promote transparency, and offer targeted incentives, particularly in airport infrastructure, aircraft leasing, maintenance and training.
Tinubu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to: Civil aviation policy reforms, Renewable energy solutions across airports, Smart, secure and customer-friendly terminals
“Our policies shall remain investment-friendly, while the interest of critical stakeholders remains paramount,” he said.
The President praised the Minister of Aviation for what he described as “purposeful leadership” and commended FAAN and all aviation agencies for driving excellence in the sector.
He expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian aviation, stating that with strong partnerships between government, the private sector and international players, Nigeria can build a safer, smarter and more globally connected industry.
He reiterated his call for constructive dialogue at the conference, urging stakeholders to chart a new direction for sustainable sector growth.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I congratulate all of you for being part of this conference, and I now have the honour and privilege of declaring the 2025 National Aviation Conference open.”
