LAGOS/Nigeria: The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) has called for the transformation of Lagos airport into a world-class aviation hub capable of handling up to 30 million passengers annually, saying such a move would significantly enhance Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and unlock the sector’s full potential.
The proposal was put forward by ASRTI President, retired Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju, during the organisation’s first quarter Business Breakfast Meeting held on Thursday in Lagos, where stakeholders examined strategies to deepen aviation’s contribution to the national economy.
Onitiju noted that while the aviation sector currently contributes between $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP, its growth remains constrained by infrastructure deficits and rising operational costs.
“For today’s engagement, we decided to discuss the importance of an aviation hub in boosting the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product,” he said, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
According to him, the industry supports more than 216,000 jobs across direct, indirect and induced channels, while aviation-linked tourism contributes an estimated $454.1 million to the economy.
He, however, pointed out that infrastructure limitations and operational challenges continue to hinder expansion, stressing that Nigeria’s air transport activities are heavily concentrated in Lagos, which accounts for about 29 per cent, Abuja with 32 per cent, and Port Harcourt with 10.6 per cent—collectively contributing over 70 per cent of the sector’s GDP impact.
On passenger traffic, Onitiju disclosed that Nigeria handles over 16 million domestic passengers and more than 3.5 million international passengers annually, underscoring the need for expanded capacity and improved efficiency.
He commended key industry leaders, including the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for ongoing efforts to reposition the sector, while calling for stronger investments in human capital development.
Onitiju stressed the need to strengthen aviation training institutions and implement policies that would attract global talent to bridge existing skills and knowledge gaps.
He further advocated the creation of a business-friendly environment characterised by lower taxes, reduced tariffs, transparent regulatory frameworks, and strategic investments in airport infrastructure.
“We have also suggested soft loans for aviation-related industries to drive innovation toward the development of world-class infrastructure,” he added.
The ASRTI president emphasised the importance of adopting a public-private partnership (PPP) model, noting that combining private sector investment with government support would provide sustainable funding for aviation infrastructure.
“ASRTI envisions a new Murtala Muhammed International Airport intentionally designed as a regional and global hub, with the capacity to handle 30 million passengers annually, connect over 50 airlines to more than 100 cities worldwide,” he said.
He added that such an airport should integrate efficiency, cutting-edge technology, and superior passenger experience, backed by a strong commitment to maintenance, innovation, and continuous expansion.
Onitiju also urged stakeholders to prioritise green aviation, including the adoption of sustainable fuels and the development of eco-friendly, future-ready airport systems.
The event drew participation from aviation industry stakeholders across both the public and private sectors, reflecting growing interest in repositioning Nigeria as a key player in global air transport.
