Nigeria's Aviation Sector Contracts 47.3% in Q1 2026

In the first quarter of 2026, Nigeria's aviation industry contracted by 47.3% year-on-year in nominal terms, according to the National Bureau of Statistics' latest gross domestic product (GDP) report. This decline represents the first contraction in nearly two years, following a growth of 57.21% during the corresponding period in 2025.

The aviation sector's nominal output fell from N36.44 billion to N33.66 billion compared to the previous year, indicating a genuine decline in activity rather than a price-driven adjustment. The sector's contribution to the national output decreased to 0.05% of nominal GDP, down from 0.11% the previous year.

Despite the aviation slump, the broader transport and storage sector maintained positive growth at 6.51% in nominal terms, although this was significantly lower than the 53.56% growth recorded in the first quarter of 2025. The Central Promote Private Enterprise warned that regulatory burdens, including various fees, are undermining the sustainability of domestic carriers.