Nigeria's aviation sector has undergone significant transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration through major investments in infrastructure, capacity building and international engagement. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, outlined the achievements in a recent address.
The federal government committed N712.3 billion to the comprehensive reconstruction and modernisation of Terminal 1 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, which handles more than 60 per cent of Nigeria's air traffic. The project is currently more than 50 per cent completed and is being financed through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund via subsidy reform savings. In Kano, the government committed N46 billion for the complete resurfacing of the runway at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. A brand-new Hajj terminal was built and commissioned there in July 2026. The Muhammadu Buhari Airport in Maiduguri was upgraded to full international status in collaboration with the Borno State Government, while the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri is being resurfaced and extended in preparation for full international operations. Terminal buildings at Benin, Akure and other airports have been rehabilitated, expanded or newly constructed.
Nigeria achieved its highest ever International Civil Aviation Organisation safety compliance score of 91.45 per cent in April 2026, surpassing both the global average of 70.4 per cent and the West African average of 61.1 per cent. This marked a significant improvement from previous scores that generally remained around 70 per cent. The country achieved full aerodome certification of its five international airports for the first time in its history: Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency obtained international certifications for quality and environmental management systems.
The administration resolved a longstanding dispute with foreign airlines by clearing accumulated blocked funds. Between June 2023 when the backlog peaked at $850 million and mid 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in coordination with the Ministry of Aviation, substantially cleared these obligations. Nigeria was subsequently removed from the International Air Transport Association's list of countries with blocked aviation funds and became the leading country in repatriation of airlines' funds in Africa as at November 2026. The government also restored diplomatic relations with Emirates, which resumed international operations in Nigeria on October 1, 2024, after suspending services in 2022. A new Bilateral Air Service Agreement was settled between both nations.
The government approved the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu and Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt under public-private partnership arrangements, allowing private operators to develop and manage the airports whilst sharing revenue with the federal government. E-gates were established at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for faster passenger processing.
For businesses and investors, the improved safety certifications, resolved foreign exchange issues and new airport concessions create better conditions for air cargo operations and international connectivity. Savers and borrowers benefit from the stability demonstrated by the clearance of blocked funds and the restoration of confidence in Nigeria's aviation market.