Opinion: Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Soars: Modernisation, Strategic Partnerships Drive New Era of Growth

By Gboyega Adeoye

Nigeria’s aviation sector is undergoing a significant renaissance, marked by ambitious infrastructure upgrades, strategic policy shifts, and a renewed commitment to passenger safety and service delivery.

Despite global economic headwinds, the country’s airspace is seeing growth, modernisation, and the practical implementation of public-private partnership (PPP) models to unlock billions in revenue and solidify Nigeria’s status as a regional aviation hub.

The current momentum is driven by investments across major airports, including the development of new international terminals and the deployment of advanced surveillance technology to enhance safety and compliance with international standards.

Regulators are increasingly focused on tightening oversight and streamlining processes, thereby improving operational efficiency for both domestic and international carriers.

This renewed stability and push for modernisation are reflected in recent traffic data, with the sector demonstrating resilience and clear potential for sustained growth in the coming years.

A critical element of this forward movement is the strategic embrace of private investment to revitalise public infrastructure.

Nigeria’s history with airport management has often been challenging; however, the growing acceptance of PPP models now offers a viable, sustainable pathway for development.

When properly structured and transparently managed, these partnerships can deliver efficiency, innovation, and financial sustainability, outcomes that are increasingly difficult to achieve through public funding alone.

MMA2: The Benchmark for PPP Success

Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2) is a leading national example of how PPPs can be applied to aviation infrastructure. Operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), MMA2 has functioned as a domestic terminal under a concession agreement for nearly two decades.

Its operational performance, consistency, and strong passenger ratings have positioned it as a benchmark for how public infrastructure can perform under private-sector management.

The terminal’s reinvestment-driven approach ensures that operational revenues are continuously applied to facility improvements, security enhancements, and passenger services, creating a sustainable model for private-sector airport management.

Beyond operations, the original design of MMA2 was notably futuristic, allowing the terminal to remain functional, adaptable, and visually relevant even after 18 years of continuous use, an uncommon achievement in Nigeria’s public infrastructure space.

This approach has enabled the terminal to maintain high service standards and remain operationally relevant without relying on routine government appropriations.

The success of MMA2 is not merely architectural; it is operational and cultural. By placing the passenger experience at the centre of its strategy, as evidenced by its rapid adoption of new technologies and the establishment of dedicated Information Desks, BASL has demonstrated that a private operator can restore and sustain public confidence in critical national infrastructure.

MMA2’s advanced CCTV surveillance system and proactive staff also ensure passenger peace of mind. Travellers who inadvertently leave behind valuables, ranging from phones to purses, have had their items tracked and recovered, sometimes even before reaching their final destination.

In one notable case, a passenger left a laptop in the lounge; it was swiftly located through coordinated CCTV monitoring and returned before departure. Stories like these highlight how MMA2’s technology and attentive service directly enhance the passenger experience, building trust and loyalty.

The terminal’s ability to remain efficient, relevant, and competitive after 18 years underscores the long-term viability of well-executed PPP arrangements.

This longevity also offers an essential lesson for current and future airport projects, particularly the planned restructuring or rebuilding of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) terminal, which must draw from MMA2’s forward-looking design philosophy to ensure that new investments do not become outdated within a short operational cycle.

With the continued emergence of state-owned airports across Nigeria, a key strategic question is whether Bi-Courtney will seek to replicate the MMA2 model beyond its current footprint.

Expanding its operational presence could enable the company to transition from a single-terminal success story into a national airport management brand, while also offering state governments a tested framework for operating commercially viable, passenger-focused terminals.

Such expansion aligns with broader national ambitions, as government policies and market growth create fertile ground for modern, efficient, and passenger-centric airport operations.

The Nigerian aviation landscape is now poised for further expansion. Government policies aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the sector, coupled with the growth of local carriers’ international routes, suggest a bright future.

As the nation capitalises on its enormous potential for passenger and cargo traffic across West and Central Africa, the foundation laid by these modernisation efforts and the proven success of models like MMA2 will be crucial in turning Nigeria’s aviation ambition into a tangible reality.

The goal is not just high traffic volume, but an uncompromising commitment to safety, efficiency, and a passenger experience that matches the best in the world.

The aviation sector in Nigeria is currently witnessing a period of remarkable expansion and transformation. Recent events, such as the Nigeria International Airshow in Abuja, clearly showcased the immense scale of the opportunities ahead, underscoring the substantial progress already achieved. With passenger volumes projected to rise significantly, climbing by eight per cent annually from 15.8 million in 2023 to an anticipated 25.7 million by 2029, Nigeria is positioned at a crucial juncture where decisive ambition is translating into tangible action.

What makes this moment so powerful is the synergy of deliberate policy changes, substantial capital investments, and a collaborative spirit among the government, industry stakeholders, and international partners.

Nigeria is not merely drafting plans for transformation; it is actively executing them. This execution is evident across multiple fronts, from key policy overhauls designed to eliminate longstanding sector bottlenecks to significant infrastructure commitments that promise to fundamentally reshape the nation’s aviation landscape.

Laying the Groundwork: Strategic Policy Milestones

The operational and regulatory environment in Nigeria has undergone significant reforms over the past two years, creating ideal conditions for sustainable growth in the aviation sector.

A significant milestone was Nigeria’s removal from the Cape Town Convention aircraft leasing risk list in late 2024.

This achievement unlocked access to more affordable, long-term aircraft financing through dry-lease agreements, allowing local carriers to procure modern, fuel-efficient jets on terms previously unavailable. The result has been lower operational costs and improved service quality, with effects continuing to strengthen in 2025.

Equally vital was the resolution of over $700 million in trapped airline funds between 2023 and 2025.

By addressing this persistent challenge, authorities sent a strong signal of Nigeria’s commitment to a predictable, transparent, and investor-friendly aviation environment.

These efforts have contributed to the sector’s current GDP footprint of approximately $1.7 billion, while domestic airlines are increasingly connecting cities reliably.

As infrastructure upgrades mature and operational efficiencies multiply, this economic contribution is set to grow further.

The Path to World-Class Operational Excellence

With these foundations in place, attention is turning to the physical and technological infrastructure necessary to support continued expansion.

Drawing inspiration from global best practices and Nigeria’s specific operational needs, airports are focusing on several key areas to transition from a “good” to an “exceptional” passenger experience.

Integrating Next-Generation Technology

Modern airport functionality relies heavily on the seamless integration of data platforms across all customer and operational touchpoints.

While investing in physical infrastructure is essential, integrated management systems enhance its effectiveness by enabling real-time coordination, predictive analytics, and responsive resource allocation.

These systems transform airports from reactive facilities into proactive environments, where potential congestion or bottlenecks are identified and resolved before they affect passengers.

For an airport network preparing to handle millions of additional passengers within a five-year window, such technological capabilities are crucial to ensuring that growth elevates, rather than compromises, the passenger journey.

Driving Excellence through Data-Driven Improvement

Nigeria’s investment in infrastructure provides the hard platform; operational excellence determines the final passenger experience. Implementing comprehensive performance monitoring systems that track key metrics such as passenger processing times, baggage delivery speed, and overall service quality is vital for continuous refinement.

Data-driven approach fosters transparent cooperation among all stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, security agencies, and airport operators, enabling them to align their efforts toward shared performance goals. Such systems also allow preventive maintenance strategies, helping to prevent equipment failures and minimise disruptive delays.

Prioritising the Passenger Journey

Every naira invested in airport infrastructure should enhance the passenger experience.

At MMA2, for instance, the terminal is designed for intuitive navigation, climate control is carefully managed, and amenities are consistently of high quality. Digital solutions, such as mobile check-in and real-time flight information, further support a seamless journey.

From booking to baggage claim, the airport demonstrates how attention to detail and operational efficiency can significantly elevate the passenger experience.

As we look ahead to 2026, these principles will guide the next phase of development across Nigeria’s airport network.

With strategic reforms and planned private sector participation, future terminals will continue to build on the lessons of MMA2, embedding passenger-centric design and operational excellence from the outset.

The combination of strategic reforms and robust public-private collaboration confirms that Nigeria is executing a transformative vision to secure its place as the definitive aviation gateway to Africa.

Gboyega Adeoye, a journalist from Lagos, wrote the piece.

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