BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) has called for bold steps to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector into a regional and global hub, highlighting the industry’s potential to significantly boost the nation’s economy.
Speaking at the 2026 Quarter 1 Business Breakfast Meeting, Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative President, Rtd Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju, emphasised that strategic investment, strong governance and infrastructure modernisation are critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
The round table, a not-for-profit platform of experienced aviation veterans and operators, regularly convenes to discuss policy, operational challenges, and solutions for Nigeria’s air transport industry.
“Today’s session is a platform for policy advocacy, critique, and appreciation. We have assembled a formidable collection of industry leaders to offer diverse perspectives on how aviation can drive economic growth for Nigeria”, Onitiju stated.
According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the aviation sector contributes between $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP, supporting over 216,000 jobs across direct, indirect, and induced sectors. Aviation-linked tourism adds an estimated $454.1 million to the economy.
However, the sector faces constraints, including infrastructure bottlenecks, rising operational costs, and a concentration of activity in a few cities: Abuja (32%), Lagos (29%), and Port Harcourt (10.6%), which together account for more than 70% of the sector’s GDP contribution.
Passenger traffic in Nigeria exceeds 16 million domestically and 3.5 million internationally each year.
ASRTI stressed that a modern, well-managed hub airport is central to elevating Nigeria’s global aviation profile.
The recent announcement to refurbish Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, was highlighted as a timely initiative deserving robust support and strategic planning.
The round table envisions a redeveloped MMIA capable of handling 30 million passengers annually, connecting over 50 airlines to more than 100 cities worldwide, with seamless operations, cutting-edge technology, and superior passenger experiences.
The initiative also called for policies that promote open skies, encourage international airline participation, and strengthen competition and connectivity.
Additionally, the discussion urged industry leaders to prioritize green aviation, sustainable fuels, and eco-friendly airport designs to ensure a futuristic and environmentally responsible aviation sector.
ASRTI continues to advocate for strategic human capital development through strengthened aviation training institutions and policies that attract global talent to bridge skills gaps.
The group has repeatedly called for a business-friendly environment, low taxes, transparent regulations, and public-private partnerships to drive investment in world-class infrastructure and innovation.
“The anticipated outcome of this engagement is a robust coalition of ideas for governance, strategic planning, and implementable solutions to boost Nigeria’s aviation contribution to GDP,” the address concluded.
ASRTI and industry leaders aim to position Nigeria as a regional aviation powerhouse, with a sector that not only facilitates travel but also drives economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
