Governors from Lagos, Borno, Imo and Ogun States on Monday appealed to both local and international investors to key into Nigeria’s aviation reforms, as the third edition of the FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) opened in Lagos.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria organized the annual forum to address challenges in the aviation sector and explore solutions that can position the industry for sustained global relevance.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, who hosted this year’s edition, stressed that the aviation sector must shift from “talking to doing”, adding that Nigeria’s economic competitiveness depends heavily on accessibility, connectivity and modern infrastructure.
He said: “It is about connectivity, convenience and competitiveness. It is about whether investors can reach our markets easily, whether cargo moves effectively, and whether tourism can truly flourish.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos State experiences aviation pressure daily as host to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest gateways.
He said the city is preparing for a new era of aviation driven by larger aircraft, expanding e-commerce and stricter environmental requirements.
According to him, Lagos is currently developing an integrated transport backbone connecting rail, road, water and air travel.
He cited the Blue Line Rail, which has transported over eight million passengers, the newly opened Red Line running from Agbado to the National Theatre, and a proposed 68-kilometre Green Line linking Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the proposed Lekki-Epe International Airport, describing it as a PPP-driven, Code-F compliant project designed to land wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380. The project covers 3,500 hectares and is expected to begin with a five-million-passenger capacity.
He added : “This airport is not a vanity project. We invite investors to work with us on the Lekki International Airport, on our rail projects and on the larger logistics corridor. Lagos remains fully open for business.”
Sanwo-Olu also thanked President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing renovation of Murtala Muhammed Airport, urging industry stakeholders to recognise airports as national economic gateways.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum told participants that the soon-to-be commissioned Maiduguri International Airport would significantly boost the North-East’s economic potential.
He said Borno’s border links with Niger, Chad, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Sudan place the state in a strategic position for aviation-supported trade and logistics.
“With the new airport and our unique borders, we will strengthen economic ties with our neighbours and reposition the North-East for growth,” he said.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo praised FAAN for sustaining a platform that brings together state leaders, industry experts and private-sector players. He noted that aviation remains central to Imo State’s economic plan.
“For us in Imo, aviation is crucial for integrating our state into global value chains,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s aviation sector must strike a balance between profitability, safety and efficiency if it wants to meet global standards.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the conference was timely, especially as the Ogun Gateway Airport prepares to begin commercial flight operations.
“Ogun State is ready for investor partnership to boost its economy and that of neighbouring states,” she said.