The future of global aviation is accelerating faster than ever, and Nigeria is positioning itself at the centre of this historic transformation. This message resonated strongly on Monday as Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), delivered a powerful opening speech at the FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) 2025, taking place at the Eko Hotel Convention Center in Lagos.
The conference, themed “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership, and Global Engagements,” convened top political and industry leaders, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Several state governors, senior government officials, global aviation partners, and private-sector investors also filled the hall.
The event is being championed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, serving as its Chief Convener—a testament to the administration’s commitment to repositioning Nigerian aviation for global competitiveness.
Global Passenger Traffic Hits Historic Milestone
Referencing fresh industry data, Mrs. Kuku highlighted the massive opportunity ahead for Nigeria. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger traffic is projected to reach a record 4.99 billion passengers this year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time.
But the projections extend far beyond recovery.
The Airports Council International (ACI) forecasts that global passenger numbers will nearly double to 9.7 billion by 2040. And at the heart of this dramatic growth curve lies Africa—the next global aviation growth frontier.
“This is not just a statistic,” Mrs. Kuku emphasized. “It is a signal — a signal of billions of journeys, connections, and economic opportunities waiting to be unlocked.”
Nigeria: Positioned as Africa’s Aviation Powerhouse
In her speech, the FAAN Managing Director urged stakeholders to recognize Nigeria’s strategic importance. With its population size, economic influence, geographic location, and rising travel demand, Nigeria is poised to become a central hub in Africa’s aviation expansion.
She acknowledged the nation’s realities — including infrastructure gaps, FX challenges, safety modernization needs, and operational pressures — but framed them as catalysts rather than impediments.
“These are not merely obstacles,” she declared. “They represent Nigeria’s unparalleled investment portfolio. This sector is not just recovering; it is soaring to new heights.”
Government Commitment and High-Level Support
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator George Akume reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for aviation investment, modernization, and security.
He noted that aviation remains a critical pillar of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in the areas of travel facilitation, economic expansion, and global partnerships.
The Chief Convener, Minister Festus Keyamo, in his remarks, underscored the need for strategic partnerships with global industry players, airlines, investors, and technology providers—emphasizing that Nigeria must modernize, digitize, and expand its aviation infrastructure to match the anticipated growth.
A Call for Bold Investments
Mrs. Kuku’s address challenged both public and private stakeholders to rethink Nigeria’s aviation potential in the context of global growth.
“With Africa set to dominate the next major cycle of global aviation expansion,” she said, “Nigeria must not only participate—it must lead.”
She highlighted FAAN’s ongoing modernization drive, partnerships with international bodies, investments in safety and digital infrastructure, and its commitment to transforming Nigerian airports into world-class gateways for trade, tourism, and global business.
A Defining Moment for Nigerian Aviation
The FNAC 2025 conference comes at a critical time. As the world prepares for nearly 10 billion annual air passengers by 2040, experts agree that the next global aviation centre of gravity is shifting.
And today, all eyes are on Africa — and firmly on Nigeria.
With strong political will, rising demand, and bold reforms underway, industry leaders believe the country is positioned to unlock unprecedented economic opportunities through aviation.
As Mrs. Kuku concluded, “The future of aviation is being written now—and Nigeria has a defining role to play.”
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