By Mercy Odeh (Content Editor)

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry have called for a comprehensive airport development strategy that aligns infrastructure expansion with airline route development, warning that building airports without sustainable traffic plans could result in wasted public investment.

The experts made the recommendations at the just concluded Airport Business Summit and Expo 2026 held from July 14 to July 16, 2026 at the Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Center in Lagos.

They noted that while the growing interest in establishing airports across more states would improve aviation accessibility and inclusivity, such investments must be supported by viable route development programmes to ensure airlines can operate profitably and provide regular services.

They also advocated the concession of selected Nigerian airports to attract private capital for infrastructure development and operational efficiency.

However, they cautioned against unsolicited concession arrangements, recommending that airport authorities first undertake detailed feasibility studies to determine each airport’s commercial prospects and adopt the most suitable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

According to them, a structured investment proposition that balances public interest with private sector participation would deliver better long-term outcomes for the aviation industry.

The stakeholders further proposed the establishment of an advocacy group for airport development and private sector investment through an Association of Nigerian Local Airport Investors to promote collaboration and sustainable investment in airport infrastructure.

They also stressed the need for continuous capacity building for airport managers, urging that they receive specialised training in airport business management to improve operational and commercial performance.

In addition, they called for accelerated modernisation of airport terminals, runways and air traffic management systems, with a transition from analogue processes to fully digital airport operations to enhance efficiency, safety and passenger experience.

On air cargo development, the stakeholders urged Lagos State to undertake a comprehensive air cargo logistics assessment to optimise the rapidly growing e-commerce market and strengthen agro-export logistics.

They noted that Nigeria’s expanding digital economy presents a significant opportunity for the aviation sector to diversify revenue through air cargo, but emphasised that success would depend on coordinated investment in airport infrastructure, customs processes, ground handling, cold-chain facilities and digital cargo tracking systems.

According to the presentations delivered, Nigeria’s cargo ecosystem still faces challenges including fragmented cargo aggregation, manual documentation, inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, cost volatility, low shipment visibility and a high volume of informal exports.

Addressing these constraints, they said, would position the country’s airports to benefit from growing demand for fast, compliant and digitally tracked cargo services driven by e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables and small and medium-sized enterprises.