The Federal Government has intensified its aviation sector expansion drive by announcing a bold plan to transform Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos into a full-scale transit hub for West Africa, positioning Nigeria as a central player in regional and continental air travel.
The announcement came on Wednesday during a commemorative event held in Lagos to mark the launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ second daily flight to the city—a significant milestone in the airline’s 65-year partnership with Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, declared that the Federal Government was actively pursuing partnerships to boost connectivity, passenger traffic, and investment inflow into Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
“We want to make Lagos a hub. In no distant time, where we are standing will be a hub for many airlines across Africa and beyond. Nigeria is ready for business,” Dr Kana said, addressing dignitaries, aviation stakeholders, and media representatives at the MMIA terminal.
The expansion by Ethiopian Airlines—Africa’s largest and most consistently profitable airline—underscores growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s air travel market. With the addition of a second daily flight into Lagos, the carrier now operates 31 weekly flights across Nigeria, including key cities such as Abuja, Enugu, and Kano.
Mrs Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Area Manager for Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, said the increased Lagos frequency is part of a broader strategy to support Nigeria’s tourism, trade, and cultural festivals.
“From Detty December to the Ojude Oba and Durbar Festivals, we see the vibrancy and appeal of Nigerian culture. Ethiopian Airlines is proud to support Nigeria’s tourism development,” Mekonnen added.
The airline, which began flying to Nigeria in 1960, has played a pivotal role in maintaining regional connectivity, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic when it remained one of the few airlines serving Nigerian cities.
The Federal Government’s plan to elevate Lagos to aviation hub status aligns with its broader Africa Gateway Initiative, aimed at unlocking economic potential through infrastructure upgrades, increased airline partnerships, and strategic location advantage.
Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial capital, already handles over 60% of international passenger traffic, making it a logical choice for transformation into a regional hub akin to Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Johannesburg.
To support this goal, the Ministry of Aviation is actively courting global airlines and private sector investment. Dr Kana urged other carriers to follow Ethiopian Airlines’ lead by investing in Nigerian routes and collaborating on cargo logistics, passenger services, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) infrastructure.
“We want all major carriers—European, Asian, Middle Eastern—to see Lagos not just as a destination but as a strategic gateway into Africa,” he said.
With growing demand for regional air travel and an emerging middle class, Nigeria’s aviation market is forecasted to expand significantly over the next decade. Analysts project passenger numbers could double by 2030, especially with government plans to privatize airport operations, expand terminals, and modernize regulatory systems.
By capitalising on this momentum, the government hopes to boost tourism, increase foreign direct investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil economy. Events like Carnival Calabar, Lagos Fashion Week, and Sallah Durbar are increasingly drawing international visitors, creating a strong case for year-round travel promotion.
While the vision is bold, aviation experts say several structural issues must be addressed to make the Lagos hub dream a reality. These include:
High aviation fuel costs
Inconsistent forex access for foreign airlines
Aging airport infrastructure
Security and customs delays
Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) gaps
Nonetheless, Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment signals positive momentum. Stakeholders are calling on the government to match investor enthusiasm with reform execution, transparency, and policy stability.
The Federal Government’s renewed aviation diplomacy and the support of long-term partners like Ethiopian Airlines suggest a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation landscape. If plans materialize, Lagos could soon emerge as a premier African aviation hub, with ripple effects across trade, tourism, and employment.