The managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku has charged stakeholders in the aviation industry to shift their mindset, embrace resilience and proactively seek solutions to transform the noticeable setbacks in the sector into growth opportunities.
Kuku gave the charge at the launch of the book ‘100 years of civil aviation in Nigeria: History, issues and prospects’ in Lagos yesterday
She said the history of aviation in Nigeria has not been devoid of journey has not turbulence even after the country’s independence in 1960.
She said as the discourse delved into Nigeria’s aviation journey, “we are not merely observing aircraft and runways; we are witnessing the evolution of a nation’s ambitions.”
Kuku noted that from the colonial beginnings “to our current status as West Africa’s largest aviation market, every milestone narrates a story of determination and opportunity.
“How could we convert colonial-era infrastructure into a sovereign aviation powerhouse? Our national carrier, Nigeria Airways, emerged as a response, yet it soon faced challenges stemming from mismanagement and operational inefficiencies. By the early 2000s, we found ourselves at a crossroads—adapt or risk obsolescence.
“This juncture precipitated a remarkable transformation. The private sector took the initiative, introducing fresh capital, contemporary management practices, and a competitive spirit.
“Companies such as Air Peace and Arik Air did not merely fill the void—they revolutionised our aviation landscape. The current figures sum up this transformation: 39 certified airline operators,31 airports nationwide, over 2,100 licensed pilots, a workforce comprising thousands, ranging from engineers to air traffic controllers,” she remarked.
She further said Nigeria has emerged as a testament to the efficacy of market-driven solutions as the aviation sector now contributes approximately $1.7 billion to the gross domestic product.
She revealed that in 2024, over 16 million passengers “traversed our domestic terminals, while international passenger numbers exceeded 3.5 million.”
She noted that private airlines are connecting the cities with unprecedented efficiency while international carriers increasingly regard Nigeria as a critical market.
However, Kuku said while challenges persist—infrastructure deficiencies, regulatory frameworks, and financing requirements—they should be perceived not as obstacles, but rather as opportunities.
She said the challenge facing the aviation sector represents a potential investment awaiting realization.
The managing director further said the next chapter of Nigerian aviation will be authored by those who recognise that “our skies are not merely thoroughfares for aircraft—they are highways to prosperity.”
Thereafter, Kuku commended the author of the book, Mr Wole Shadare for providing “us with a perspective to comprehend how far we have advanced, as well as an examination of the flight path ahead.”
For his part, Shadare, described the 25-chapter volume as a comprehensive account of Nigeria’s aviation industry over the past century.
He noted that it would serve as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers seeking to understand the industry’s history and future prospects.
