Mrs.Olubunmi Kuku

Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its aviation journey. With one of the largest populations in Africa, a strategic geographic location between West and Central Africa,

Nigeria is uniquely  positioned to emerge as a leading aviation hub in Africa.It stands at strategic geographic location between West and Central Africa.

Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN),Mrs.Olubunmi Kuku made this known in her speech” TITLED, ‘BUILDING MMIA INTO A SAFE & ECONOMICALLY VIABLE HUB’, AT THE AVIATION SAFETY ROUND TABLE INITIATIVE’S Q1 BUSINESS BREAKFAST MEETING ON THURSDAY, 26TH MARCH 2026, AT GOLF VIEW HOTELS & SUITES, GRA, IKEJA.”

“Our strategy to achieve this vision is deliberate, structured, and anchored on several key pillars.”

First, to achieve this,FAAN is developing dual hub airports anchored on Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.

According to Mrs.Kuku,Lagos serves as our primary commercial gateway, handling the bulk of international passenger and cargo traffic.

At the same time, Abuja complements this as a political and administrative hub with increasing capacity for international connectivity.

Together, these airports form the backbone of Nigeria’s hub strategy.

Second, the Authority is prioritising infrastructure modernisation. This includes upgrading terminals, improving runway capacity, and deploying advanced air traffic management systems via the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Project.

These investments,she noted are critical to ensuring safety, reducing delays, and creating the level of efficiency expected of a global hub.

Some key improvements are centred around:

• Expansion of the MMIA with increased throughput
• In operation is an 8,000-square-metre temporary departure hall capable of handling up to 1,500 passengers at peak periods
• High-level engagements for the development of a Monorail at MMIA for Terminal connectivity
• Upgrading airfield lighting on Runways 18L/36R and key taxiways to Category II LED standard;
• Deployment of our Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS)
• Deployment of Access Control
• Expansion of apron and aircraft parking stands through the relocation of 2 hangars obstructing the operations of wide-body aircraft.
• Installation of multiple Avio bridges to support simultaneous aircraft turnaround
• Upgrade of cargo terminal facilities and integration of air cargo logistics systems

“Third, we recognise that safety and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. Nigeria continues to align with global best practices under the guidance of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA”

Strengthening safety oversight and security frameworks, according to her, is essential to building confidence among international airlines and passengers.

Fourth, connectivity remains at the heart of our ambition. The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is desirous of expanding both long-haul and intra-African routes, while leveraging frameworks such as the Single African Air Transport Market to liberalise air travel across the continent

“Our goal is simple: to make Nigeria a natural transit point for passengers travelling within Africa and beyond.”

She observed that since no hub can thrive without strong flag carriers,FAAN under her leadership is committed to supporting about two (2) Nigerian airlines to grow into National Flag Carriers that can drive passenger and cargo traffic through our airports.

“By strengthening partnerships and optimising route networks, these carriers will play a central role in our hub ecosystem.”

She told the gathering FAAN is expanding beyond passenger traffic into cargo and logistics.

By developing modern cargo terminals and cold-chain systems, and by positioning Nigeria as a hub for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul services, we aim to capture greater value across the aviation value chain.

Seventh, we are focused on enhancing the passenger experience. From streamlined check-in and immigration processes to improved transit facilities and commercial offerings, our airports must be efficient, welcoming, and globally competitive. A hub is not only defined by traffic volume, but by the quality of experience it offers.

Finally, policy reform and investment are critical enablers. Through public–private partnerships, improved regulatory frameworks, and a focus on ease of doing business, we are creating an environment that attracts both local and international investment into the aviation sector.

Nigeria’s ambition to become an aviation hub is not aspirational—it is achievable. With sustained investment, disciplined execution, and strong collaboration between government and industry stakeholders, Nigeria can position itself as the gateway to Africa.