FAAN MD highlights investment opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation sector

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Thursday reaffirmed Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s most promising aviation markets, highlighting investment opportunities to woo investors to the sector.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, made the remarks at the ongoing maiden edition of the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in Lagos.

Kuku, during her address, called for increased investments and stronger partnerships to drive long-term growth.

Kuku described the country’s aviation sector as resilient, citing steady recovery in passenger traffic, route expansion, and growing demand for air travel and cargo services despite global economic challenges.

She noted that Nigeria’s large population, diversified economy and strategic location positioned it as a natural hub for West and Central Africa, with strong potential to connect the continent to global markets.

Kuku emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment through infrastructure modernisation, improved safety and security, and transparent regulatory processes.

She added that reforms such as airport digitalisation, enhanced inter-agency coordination and cost-efficiency measures are already underway to support industry growth.

Highlighting investment opportunities, Kuku said airports are no longer viewed merely as infrastructure but as viable platforms for economic value creation.

According to her, key areas of opportunity include terminal upgrades, cargo and logistics facilities, commercial real estate, maintenance and repair operations, and aviation training services.

Kuku further assured stakeholders of FAAN’s focus on improving infrastructure reliability, streamlining operational processes and maintaining predictable charges’ environment to enhance ease of doing business in the sector.

FAAN boss also called for stronger collaboration with financial institutions, leasing companies and development finance organisations to support aircraft acquisition and fleet expansion by Nigerian airlines.

Calling for partnerships, Kuku said: “FAAN does not see investors, airlines or financiers as counterparties to be managed, but as partners to be engaged.

“We are committed to continuous dialogue with operators and investors; refining our frameworks in response to credible feedback, and championing collaboration across government agencies to support this sector.

“If there are pain points, we want to understand them. If there are bankable ideas, we want to help unlock them. If there are global best practices that can work in our context, we want to adopt and localise them,” she said.

Kuku further said market confidence was not built by speeches alone, but by consistent, visible action.

“Our task at FAAN is to ensure that what we do, day by day, matches the commitments we are making here. Nigeria’s aviation market is fundamentally strong. Demand for air travel and air cargo is real, resilient and rising.

“Government and agencies are committed to reforms and partnerships that make this sector more investable – from infrastructure upgrades to process efficiency and improved governance.

“This is the right time to position for the next phase of growth in Nigerian aviation – whether as an operator, a financier, a lessor or an infrastructure investor,” she noted.

Addressing regional prospects, she identified initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market as key drivers of expanded air connectivity across Africa.

She urged investors, operators, and policymakers to seize emerging opportunities and work collaboratively to position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub on the continent.

Our correspondent reports that the two-day summit has the theme: “Unlocking Capital, Confidence and Capacity in Nigeria Aviation” aimed at building investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.