The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) welcomed stakeholders and industry leaders to its 2026 Quarter 1 Business Breakfast Meeting, aimed at advancing knowledge, policy advocacy, and strategic planning in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman and Board of Trustees, Rtd Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju highlighted the organisation’s role as a non-profit, non-governmental body made up of aviation veterans and seasoned operators committed to improving sector governance and performance.
The session focused on the importance of developing aviation hubs to boost the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the aviation industry contributes approximately $1.7 billion to $2.5 billion annually, supports over 216,000 jobs, and aviation-linked tourism adds around $454.1 million to GDP. However, infrastructure limitations and operational challenges—including rising costs—continue to impede growth.
Currently, air transport operations are highly concentrated, with Lagos accounting for 29%, Abuja 32%, and Port Harcourt 10.6% of sector activity, collectively contributing over 70% of aviation GDP. Nigeria handles over 16 million domestic and 3.5 million international passengers annually.
The ART commended current leaders and policymakers for efforts such as the refurbishment of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, calling the initiative a timely step toward transforming Nigeria into a regional and global aviation hub. The body outlined expectations for MMIA to handle 30 million passengers annually, connect over 50 airlines to more than 100 cities worldwide, and blend efficiency, technology, and passenger experience seamlessly.
The gathering also emphasized strategic policy priorities, including human capital development, public-private partnerships for infrastructure, green aviation initiatives, sustainable fuels, and the creation of business-friendly environments through lower taxes, tariffs, and transparent regulations.
In conclusion, the ART stressed that the meeting was conceived as a platform for policy critique, appreciation, and collaboration, aiming to provoke leadership into innovative, future-oriented planning to grow the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP and strengthen its global competitiveness.
