Tinubu Projects 25.7m Passenger Traffic as Aviation Reforms Reshape Nigeria’s Air Transport Future
Nigeria’s aviation sector is entering a pivotal phase as President Bola Tinubu unveils new growth projections indicating that air passenger traffic will surge to 25.7 million by 2029.
The President, speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the Nigerian International Air Show in Abuja on Tuesday, said the outlook reflects the administration’s broad strategy to modernise infrastructure, deepen technical capacity, and position Nigeria as the dominant aviation hub for West and Central Africa.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria handled 15.89 million passengers in 2023, and data from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suggests that these numbers will rise progressively over the next four years.
With the aviation sector’s annual revenue projected to hit $2.58 billion by 2029, the government is intensifying its push to modernise facilities, expand domestic and international routes, and incentivise industry players with a favourable regulatory environment.
The President emphasised that Nigeria is no longer content with being a regional transit point. Instead, the focus is on transforming the country into a globally competitive aviation marketplace capable of handling increased traffic, hosting aircraft maintenance industries, and driving technological innovation.
The announcement that Tinubu projects 25.7m passenger traffic signals what experts see as a renewed ambition to unlock new economic value from the sector.
Infrastructure Modernisation at the Centre of Growth Vision
Tinubu highlighted a series of major infrastructure upgrades designed to support rising air traffic. Six major airports—including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kaduna—are undergoing significant refurbishment.
The Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport alone is currently experiencing a ₦712 billion modernisation and runway improvement programme aimed at reducing delays, improving safety, and enhancing passenger experience.
The President explained that expanded runways, upgraded terminals, and improved ground facilities are essential for accommodating the anticipated surge.
These investments, according to aviation analysts, will also facilitate larger aircraft operations, reduce congestion, and enhance Nigeria’s appeal as an international gateway.
In addition, Tinubu revealed that Nigeria has signed strategic agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University to establish state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
The move is expected to drastically reduce the $200 million the country loses annually in capital flight due to overseas aircraft servicing.
He said Aero Contractors and XEJet Airlines are already leading the charge with new MRO hubs in Lagos and Abuja, marking the first wave of locally driven aviation engineering capability.
Tinubu Projects 25.7m Passenger Traffic Amid Expanding International Connectivity
As part of efforts to boost global linkages, Tinubu noted recent gains in foreign airline participation and route expansion.
The resumption of Air Peace’s Lagos–London service, the signing of multiple Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs), and the return of Emirates and Uganda Airlines to Nigerian airspace underline renewed confidence in the country’s aviation ecosystem.
With Tinubu projecting 25.7m passenger traffic by 2029, the administration believes rising international demand will be matched by increased domestic capacity.
Nigeria currently boasts 20 airports, 23 domestic airlines, and a fast-growing pool of aviation professionals.
The sector now contributes 2.5 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, a figure expected to grow sharply in the coming years.
Compliance Milestones Strengthen Nigeria’s Standing in Global Aviation
Tinubu also revealed improvements in Nigeria’s regulatory compliance ratings, noting that the country now ranks first in Africa for adherence to international aviation standards.
Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention score—an index that measures aircraft financing friendliness—has improved from 49.5 per cent to 75.5 per cent.
This upgrade, he said, is already enabling Nigerian airlines to access aircraft leasing and financing at more competitive rates, encouraging fleet expansion and improved service delivery.
For an industry where financing remains a major barrier, this milestone is widely seen as a breakthrough that could enhance efficiency and attract foreign investors.
Aviation as a Catalyst for Youth Development and Technology
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the airshow as a bold expression of Nigeria’s future ambitions.
He said that the Tinubu administration views aviation not only as a catalyst for economic transformation but also as a platform for innovation, defence technology, and youth empowerment.
Keyamo argued that hosting the Nigerian International Air Show was a deliberate strategy to create opportunities for young Nigerians to explore aeronautics, drone technology, aerospace engineering, and related fields.
He stated that the event was designed to inspire new talent pipelines, support research and development, and foster collaboration with global industry leaders.
“The airshow is anchored on the President’s vision for a modern, secure, resilient, and globally competitive aviation industry,” Keyamo said.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aviation has become one of the fastest-advancing sectors in the country.”
Tinubu Projects 25.7m Passenger Traffic as Industry Awaits New Phase of Growth
Industry observers say the President’s projections reflect growing optimism supported by ongoing reforms.
With new infrastructures under construction, operational efficiency improvements underway, and enhanced international partnerships, the aviation sector appears to be entering a transformative era.
However, experts also caution that sustaining this momentum will require consistent regulatory support, private-sector confidence, and uninterrupted funding for critical projects.
They emphasise that policy stability, security enhancements, and service quality improvements must remain central to Nigeria’s aviation strategy if Tinubu’s target of 25.7 million passengers is to be realised.
President Bola Tinubu’s declaration that Nigeria will reach 25.7 million air passengers by 2029 underscores a renewed national ambition to transform the aviation sector into a globally competitive hub.
With expanded infrastructure, strengthened regulation, growing international connectivity, and strategic partnerships, the sector stands on the cusp of significant transformation.
As Nigeria accelerates its aviation reforms, the projection that Tinubu projects 25.7m passenger traffic becomes both a target and a benchmark for assessing progress.
With the right mix of policy execution, investment, and industry collaboration, the country is positioned to emerge as a dominant force in African aviation.
