BUSINESS

FG: WE’RE PARTNERING WITH PRIVATE INVESTORS TO BOOST NIGERIA’S AIRPORTS
The Federal Government says it is working closely with private investors to grow and modernize Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace industry. The approach, known as Public-Private Partnership (PPP), allows the government to collaborate with private companies in building, managing, and upgrading airport facilities across the country.
Speaking at the 10th Airport Business Summit and Expo 2025 held in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, said the move is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized that the aviation sector is vital to Nigeria’s economy—helping drive trade, tourism, and national development.
Dr. Kana explained that the government has already completed several high-impact PPP projects, including the concession of international airport terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. Other ongoing partnerships include Build-Operate-Transfer deals for cargo terminals, aircraft maintenance hangars, and airport hotels.
He pointed to Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MM2) as a success story—one of the best examples of PPP-driven airport infrastructure in West Africa.
According to him, new PPP agreements recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) show the government’s commitment to expanding private sector participation in aviation.
The government is also working with major global organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to secure more funding for key aviation projects—without putting pressure on public funds.
Dr. Kana assured that efforts are being made to create a safe and attractive investment environment. This includes simplifying processes for investors, enhancing transparency, and ensuring better regulation through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He added that the National Airport Development Master Plan is aligned with both national and regional goals. Security and safety systems at airports are also being upgraded to global standards.
“The future of Nigerian aviation looks promising,” Dr. Kana said, “and PPPs will continue to play a major role in making our airports world-class.”
"This represents a significant development in our ongoing coverage of current events."— Editorial Board