BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria’s airports must stop being seen as just runways and terminals but goldmines for economic growth with the right investments and planning are in place.
That was the clear message delivered by Fortune Idu, the Managing Director of FCI International, at the 10th Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) held at the NIGAV Expo Centre, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
Speaking to an audience packed with aviation leaders, state commissioners, business executives and federal policymakers, Idu, who is also the convener declared that airport is a business and must be viewed as such.
The 3-day summit, themed “Investment Opportunities in Airport Public-Private Partnerships,” focused on how Nigeria’s 30+ airports can attract the right investments and become financially self-sustaining.
Idu pointed to past successes of the ABSE, including helping shape Nigeria’s civil aviation master plan and facilitating international partnerships, like the ongoing collaboration with Munich Airport International.
“We’ve helped close the strategic exchange gap by connecting Nigerian airports to global partners,” he said.
He praised the current aviation leadership, especially Minister Festus Keyamo, for adopting a “listening and learning” approach that’s helping bring investor confidence and better decision-making to the sector.
“Policy makers, programme developers, and project drivers are now better informed and making better decisions,” Idu added.
But it wasn’t all celebration. Idu didn’t shy away from tough truths about the poor state of airport infrastructure and land misuse.
“It is disheartening to see the deterioration of the airport’s land infrastructure and the unplanned partitioning of Federal Airport space,” he said, raising concerns about how fuel depots and unrelated government buildings are taking over prime airport land.
“Every fuel depot wants a space at the airport. This doesn’t generate revenue — it creates risk and congestion,” he stressed.
He warned against assuming open spaces around airports are free for the taking:
“The airport’s gestation period is 25 years. Those who see ‘empty’ airport land must understand it is reserved for future expansion. Airports are not just runways — they’re designed environments.”
Idu called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to step in and carry out a full land-use assessment, to stop reckless land grabs and support proper long-term planning.
He emphasized that airport growth must be “preconceived, programmed and planned,” not handled haphazardly, if the aviation sector is to become the economic engine Nigeria needs.
ABSE, now in its 10th year, continues to provide a unique platform where aviation experts, businesses, regulators and policymakers can exchange ideas, set new agendas, and develop strategies for sustainable airport growth.
As the summit wraps up on July 17, expectations are high that the key discussions will translate into action — and that Nigerian airports can finally begin to operate not just as transport hubs, but as engines of prosperity.
“May God guide our deliberations for the prosperity of this country and Africa,”, he stated.
