The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has outlined efforts to bridge long-standing infrastructure deficits at Lagos airports.
Kuku spoke at a Business Breakfast Meeting hosted by the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative on Thursday in Lagos.
The meeting was with the theme, ‘Boosting Aviation Sector Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP: The Importance of an Aviation Hub’.
She highlighted strategic choices facing Nigeria’s gateways, ongoing rehabilitation challenges, and the shift toward private sector participation due to limited government resources.
“There is absolutely no way government can fully fund the infrastructure deficit we have today. It’s impossible,” she said.
According to her, Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its aviation journey, citing its large population, strategic location, and rising demand for air travel.
She said the country was well positioned to lead aviation development across Africa through a coordinated hub strategy.
Kuku outlined plans to develop dual hub airports at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
“Lagos serves as our primary commercial gateway, handling most international passenger and cargo traffic.
“Abuja complements this as a political and administrative hub with growing international connectivity capacity.
“Together, these airports form the backbone of Nigeria’s hub strategy,” she said.
She said infrastructure modernisation remained a priority, including terminal upgrades, improved runway capacity, and advanced air traffic systems under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Project.
“These investments are critical to ensuring safety, reducing delays, and delivering efficiency expected of a global hub,” she said.
Kuku listed improvements at Lagos airport, including expanded capacity and a temporary departure hall handling up to 1,500 passengers during peak periods.
She noted plans for a monorail linking terminals, upgraded airfield lighting to Category II LED standard, and improved taxiways.
Other measures include deployment of advanced surface movement systems, access control upgrades, and expanded aircraft parking through relocation of obstructing hangars.
She added that multiple air bridges, upgraded cargo terminals, and integrated logistics systems were being installed to improve operations.
“Safety and regulatory compliance remain non-negotiable,” she said, noting alignment with global standards under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
She stressed that strong safety oversight builds confidence among international airlines and passengers.
Kuku said connectivity remained central, with plans to expand long-haul and intra-African routes using frameworks like the Single African Air Transport Market.
She said Nigeria aimed to become a key transit point for passengers travelling across Africa and beyond.
Kuku added that strong national carriers were vital, with support planned for two Nigerian airlines to drive passenger and cargo traffic.
“By strengthening partnerships and optimising routes, these carriers will play a central role in our hub ecosystem,” she said.
She said FAAN was expanding into cargo and logistics through modern terminals and cold-chain systems.
According to her, Nigeria is positioning itself as a hub for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services to capture more aviation value.
She said passenger experience was being enhanced through improved check-in, immigration, transit facilities, and commercial offerings.
She said: “Policy reform and investment are critical enablers.
“Through public-private partnerships and improved regulations, we are attracting local and international investment into the sector.
“Nigeria’s ambition to become an aviation hub is achievable with sustained investment and collaboration.”
Chairman of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, said strong domestic airlines and efficient infrastructure were essential for a successful hub.
He urged government to create an enabling environment, noting multiple taxation and foreign exchange constraints hinder airline growth.
Sanusi also called for efficient air traffic management, performance-based navigation, and local maintenance and training facilities.
Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi, said a hub required over 30 per cent transit passengers.
He noted Nigerian airports currently handle mostly point-to-point traffic rather than hub operations.
Uriesi said infrastructure, airline connectivity, and service quality were key to developing a functional hub system.
Managing Director of Elint System Ltd., Ms Charlotte Essiet, highlighted the role of drones in future aviation.
She said unmanned traffic management systems and advanced air mobility infrastructure should be integrated into airport design.
Stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem attended the meeting.
