BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on global investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation industry, while outlining the Federal Government’s plans to transform Lagos into one of Africa’s leading aviation and investment destinations.
Speaking at the opening of the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit in Lagos last Monday, Keyamo said the Federal Government was implementing major infrastructure projects and policy reforms aimed at positioning Lagos as a regional aviation hub capable of competing with established centres across the continent.
The three-day investment summit, organised by the Lagos State Government and hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, drew international investors, business leaders, policymakers and development partners from around the world.
The event was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and attended by several state governors and other top government officials.
Addressing participants, Keyamo described Lagos as Nigeria’s primary gateway for international air travel, revealing that 67 per cent of all international passengers arriving in the country by air pass through the state.
“Sixty-seven percent of all international passengers entering Nigeria by air come through Lagos State.
This statistic alone demonstrates the attractiveness and strategic importance of Lagos as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and aviation gateway,” he said.
The minister noted that Nigeria now has seven international airports following the recent elevation of airports in Akwa Ibom and Maiduguri to international status.
According to him, the development marks a significant milestone, particularly for the North-East region, which now has its first international airport.
Keyamo said Lagos possesses a strategic geographical advantage that could help it emerge as a major global aviation centre.
He explained that the city is within approximately six hours of several key destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa and South America, making it ideally positioned as a transit and connectivity hub.
“Lagos is strategically located and equidistant to several major global destinations. Within approximately six hours, travellers can reach Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa and South America. This geographical advantage makes Lagos ideally suited to serve as a central hub connecting Africa with the rest of the world,” he said.
He expressed confidence that ongoing investments in infrastructure and air transport services would enable Lagos to rival some of Africa’s most prominent aviation hubs in the coming years.
As part of efforts to modernise aviation facilities, Keyamo disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a $500 million investment for the reconstruction and upgrade of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
According to him, the project will transform the more than five-decade-old airport into a world-class facility within the next 22 months.
“This is not borrowed money. It is an investment from the nation’s resources aimed at transforming a fifty-year-old airport into a world-class aviation hub.
Within the next twenty-two months, Nigerians and visitors alike will witness a remarkable transformation that will make us all proud,” he stated.
The minister also announced plans to strengthen transport links to the airport through an extension of the Lagos rail network.
He said the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is working with the Lagos State Government to extend rail services from Ikeja through the General Aviation Terminal, the MM2 domestic terminal and the international terminal.
He noted that the rail project would improve passenger mobility, reduce travel time and enhance connectivity across the airport corridor.
“Lagos is ready for the next big step in aviation development. The rail extension project will further enhance connectivity and support the state’s growing status as a regional aviation hub,” he added.
On investor confidence, Keyamo said the Tinubu administration remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment and protecting investments.
He cited the resolution of a long-standing dispute involving a private airport investor in Lagos as evidence of the government’s willingness to address challenges that have discouraged investment in the past.
“This government has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to private sector participation. From aviation to other sectors of the economy, President Tinubu has consistently resolved long-standing investment disputes and created an environment that inspires investor confidence,” he said.
The minister commended the Lagos State Government for promoting policies that support private enterprise and urged investors to explore opportunities in federal airport infrastructure projects as well as the proposed airport development along the Lekki corridor.
“I invite you to invest not only in the Federal Government-owned airport infrastructure in Lagos but also in the proposed airport project along the Lekki corridor being championed by the Lagos State Government. The opportunities are immense, and the future is promising,” he said.
The Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit is designed to attract local and foreign investment into Lagos and strengthen its position as West Africa’s leading commercial and financial centre.
Organisers say the platform is expected to generate new partnerships and investment commitments across critical sectors of the economy, including aviation, infrastructure, technology and manufacturing.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
