Keyamo unveils plans for futuristic Airport development

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has revealed the Federal Government’s ambition to construct a state-of-the-art airport that will set a new benchmark in technology and innovation.

Mr Keyamo made the disclosure in Lagos during the public presentation of the book “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria”, authored by veteran aviation journalist, Mr Wole Shadare.

Emphasising the need for a modern and intelligent airport system, the Minister cited the ageing Lagos airport, largely untouched since 1977, as an example of infrastructure that requires urgent renewal.

Outlining the government’s comprehensive reform agenda for the aviation sector, Mr Keyamo said there are concrete plans to upgrade Nigeria’s airport facilities to meet global standards. He mentioned the proposed demolition and reconstruction of the old Lagos airport, as well as the development of smart airports across the country.

“We still have a lot to do in terms of upgrading our infrastructure to world-class standards. Smart airports are now a global norm. Plans are already underway to demolish the old Lagos airport and replace it with an entirely new facility,” he stated.

Mr Keyamo also highlighted the shift in the aviation industry from government-led initiatives to a private sector-driven model. He stressed the need for corresponding policy adjustments to support this evolution and promote sustainable growth.

Touching on the topic of national carriers, the Minister asserted that any airline not funded by the government cannot rightly be termed a national airline. He reiterated that the Federal Government has no intention of financing any such venture.

“As industry dynamics evolve, so too must government policy. We are not operating a national airline, nor is the government funding one. That era is over,” he declared.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, provided current industry statistics underscoring the sector’s growth. She noted that Nigeria now has 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports nationwide, over 2,100 licensed pilots, and a robust workforce comprising engineers and air traffic controllers.

She added that the aviation sector contributes approximately $1.7 billion to Nigeria’s GDP, with domestic airlines significantly improving intercity connectivity, and international carriers increasingly recognising Nigeria as a key market.

“Last year, over 16 million passengers passed through our domestic terminals, while international passenger traffic surpassed 3.5 million. These are strong indicators of progress, though there remains immense potential for further growth,” Mrs Kuku stated.

A highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the 25-chapter book “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria”, which chronicles the evolution of Nigerian civil aviation from 1925 to 2025, offering insights into key developments and future prospects for the sector.

Sandra Udeike