BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria is ramping up efforts to reposition its aviation sector, with the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, outlining a strategic reform agenda to transform the Murtala Muhammed International Airport into a world-class hub for passenger and cargo traffic.
Addressing stakeholders at the Q1 2026 Business Breakfast Meeting of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative in Ikeja recently, Kuku described the plan as a structured and deliberate push to unlock Nigeria’s aviation potential, leveraging its strategic location between West and Central Africa.
Central to the vision is the development of a dual-airport hub system, pairing Lagos with the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
While Lagos will continue to dominate as the country’s commercial aviation gateway, Abuja is being upgraded to handle increased international traffic, providing balance and redundancy within the system.
Kuku said infrastructure upgrades already underway at MMIA are designed to ease congestion and improve operational efficiency.
Among them is a newly operational temporary departure hall spanning 8,000 square metres, built to process up to 1,500 passengers during peak travel periods.
The authority is also pursuing high-level discussions on a proposed monorail system to link airport terminals, alongside ongoing upgrades to runway lighting, taxiways and apron capacity to accommodate wide-body aircraft.
Additional air bridges are being installed to enable faster aircraft turnaround, while modern cargo terminals are being developed to boost Nigeria’s freight handling capabilities.
In a sector where safety remains paramount, Kuku reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global standards, noting that regulatory oversight by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority continues to guide reforms aimed at strengthening safety and security frameworks.
She emphasised that connectivity is key to hub development, with the government pushing to expand both regional and intercontinental routes.
Frameworks such as the Single African Air Transport Market are expected to play a pivotal role in liberalising air travel and boosting intra-African connectivity.
Kuku further disclosed plans to nurture at least two Nigerian airlines into strong national carriers capable of anchoring traffic growth, stressing that no aviation hub can thrive without competitive homegrown operators.
Beyond passenger traffic, FAAN is also targeting growth in cargo logistics and aircraft maintenance services.
The development of cold-chain infrastructure and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities is expected to deepen Nigeria’s participation in the global aviation value chain.
She added that improving passenger experience, through streamlined processes, better facilities and enhanced service delivery, remains a priority, noting that global competitiveness is defined not just by traffic volume but by service quality.
Kuku maintained that with sustained investment, policy support and collaboration between government and industry players, Nigeria is well-positioned to emerge as a leading aviation hub on the continent.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
