May 24, (THEWILL) – The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has hailed the transformative role of the private sector in reshaping Nigeria’s aviation industry, citing the emergence of carriers like Air Peace and Arik Air as a game changer.
Kuku noted that at a time when the industry was facing uncertainty, private operators injected fresh capital, modern management practices, and a competitive spirit that revitalised the sector.
She made the remarks in Lagos on Friday at the launch of the book, “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects”, authored by veteran aviation journalist, Wole Shadare.
“From our colonial beginnings to our current status as West Africa’s largest aviation market, every milestone tells a story of resilience, determination, and opportunity,” Kuku said.
She recalled that following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the country struggled with converting colonial infrastructure into a fully sovereign aviation system. Although the national carrier, Nigeria Airways, emerged as an early attempt at independence in the sector, it was soon plagued by mismanagement and inefficiencies.
“By the early 2000s, we found ourselves at a crossroads—adapt or risk obsolescence. That turning point triggered a wave of transformation. Companies like Air Peace and Arik Air did not just step in to fill a gap—they revolutionised our aviation landscape,” she said.
Highlighting the sector’s current trajectory, the FAAN boss stated that Nigeria now boasts 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports across the country, over 2,100 licensed pilots, and a robust workforce that includes engineers, technicians, and air traffic controllers.
She noted that the aviation sector now contributes approximately $1.7 billion to Nigeria’s GDP, positioning it as a clear example of the power of market-driven reforms.
While acknowledging challenges such as infrastructural gaps, regulatory bottlenecks, and financing needs, Kuku said these hurdles also present investment opportunities.
She lauded Shadare for his work in chronicling Nigeria’s aviation history, adding that the future of the industry lies in the hands of those who see the skies not just as flight paths but as “highways to prosperity.”
“The question is no longer whether to invest in Nigerian aviation, but how best to be part of this transformative journey,” she concluded.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
