The President of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative (ASRTI), Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju(rtd), has called for coordinated and forward-looking strategies to position Nigeria as a leading Aviation hub in Africa, describing the move as critical to unlocking the sector’s full economic potential.
He made this known at the 2026 first quarter Business Breakfast Meeting of ASRTI in Lagos, themed “Boosting Aviation Sector Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP: The Importance of an Aviation Hub.” The forum brought together key industry players, policymakers, which includes, MD of FAAN Olubunmi Kuku, MD of Ibom Air, and other private sector stakeholders to explore practical pathways for strengthening Aviation’s role in national development.
Speaking at the breakfast meeting organized by the ASRTI, President of initiative, Air commodore Ademola Onitiju(rtd) said with the right investments, regulatory alignment, and institutional collaboration, the Nigeria’s Aviation sector could significantly scale its impact on economic growth, regional connectivity, and global competitiveness.
FAAN MD, Olubunmi Kuku, says the ministry is introducing incentives, including duty reviews and support for maintenance facilities, while promoting home bases and developing smaller airports to ease congestion in Lagos and Abuja.
Industry operators who spoke to AIT highlighted the need for Nigeria to align with global aviation standards, particularly those set by international regulatory bodies, to boost investor confidence and operational efficiency.
The Business Breakfast Meeting reaffirmed the consensus that transforming Nigeria into a regional aviation hub requires sustained investment, policy coherence, and multi-sectoral collaboration.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
