Nigeria airport upgrades underway as six airports and multiple runways receive government funding to modernise infrastructure and boost aviation growth

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has confirmed that six airports and multiple runways are currently undergoing extensive government-funded upgrades, officials reported on Monday.

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Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed the development at the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference, themed “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership & Global Engagements.” She highlighted that the ongoing refurbishment of Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport alone is valued at N712 billion.

Kuku said the upgrades aim to bridge the widening gap between Nigeria’s airport capacity and projected passenger demand, opening opportunities in terminal modernisation, cargo infrastructure, and airport city development.

She added that FAAN is seeking partnerships with global aviation experts to improve efficiency and maximise growth potential.

“Investing in future-focused technologies and sustainable solutions is critical for Nigeria to strengthen its position in African aviation,” Kuku said.

She pointed out that Nigeria’s population, expanding economy, and strategic location present significant opportunities for investors.

The FAAN chief also cited global trends in aviation, referencing IATA forecasts that passenger traffic is set to reach 4.99 billion this year and could surge to 9.7 billion by 2040.

“The centre of this next wave of growth is Africa. At the heart of this opportunity lies Nigeria,” she emphasised.

Kuku appealed to aviation unions to support ongoing sector reforms, noting that private investment will enhance, rather than replace, the existing workforce.

“This investment is a catalyst for growth, creating better facilities, advanced systems, and ultimately more and better jobs for Nigerians,” she said.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume outlined major achievements under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including commissioning new terminals in Lagos and Port Harcourt, rehabilitating airports in Abuja, Enugu, Kano, and strengthening oversight agencies such as NCAA, ICAO, IATA, and NCAT.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, represented by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, identified key investment areas at FAAN airports, including infrastructure modernisation, world-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul hubs, aviation leasing, and cargo and logistics centres.

He highlighted Nigeria’s potential to reduce billions lost annually to offshore aircraft maintenance and to position the country as a regional MRO hub.

“Efficient cargo and logistics hubs will unlock agro-exports, reduce spoilage, and integrate Nigerian producers into global value chains,” Kana said.

He added that improved legal frameworks for aviation financing make the environment ripe for indigenous leasing firms, supporting fleet modernisation and long-term sector growth.

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The government’s ongoing Nigeria airport upgrades are seen as a strategic move to modernise aviation infrastructure, attract private investment, and position the country as a key player in African and global air transport networks.