Experts Identify Key Conditions for Nigeria's Aviation Hub

During a business breakfast meeting in Lagos in the first quarter of 2026, aviation experts outlined essential conditions for Nigeria to establish itself as an air travel hub in West Africa. Key conditions include the presence of a strong home-based airline, modern airport infrastructure, efficient services, and favorable government policies, such as a downward review of taxes on passengers and cargo.

Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), highlighted Nigeria's strategic location for global connectivity and the urgent need for investment and reform to transform the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) into a viable aviation hub. He noted that the government alone cannot finance the necessary upgrades across the nation’s airports.

Ado Sanusi, Managing Director and CEO of Aero Contractors, emphasized that successful aviation hubs require good airports and strong home-based airlines, citing Ethiopia and Lufthansa as examples. George Uriesi, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, added that a hub does not need to be a large airport but should facilitate significant passenger transit.