Nigerian Aviation Ranks Fourth in Africa

Nigeria recorded over 18.8 million domestic and international air passengers in 2025, an 11.9 per cent year-on-year increase that cements its status as Africa’s fourth-largest aviation market.

Speaking at the ACI Africa Regional Conference in Abuja, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Managing Director Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku declared the growth a vital economic driver while calling the event’s “Next-Gen Airports” theme “a strategic mandate” and “a call to action” for continental expansion.

Despite the momentum—highlighted by Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport leading Africa in scheduled seat capacity growth—industry experts and officials urged strategic reforms.

Nigerian aviation ranks fourth in Africa (News Central TV) — Nigerian aviation ranks fourth in Africa. Credit: The Guardian Nigeria News

Expert Samuel Caulcrick cautioned that domestic carriers remain commercially disadvantaged against foreign airlines due to capital costs, while Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo emphasised that future airport resilience and passenger-centric technology must drive long-term infrastructure planning.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.