The Federal Government has intensified efforts to position Lagos as Africa’s leading aviation hub, with Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, unveiling major infrastructure projects and investment opportunities aimed at transforming the city into a global gateway for air transport and commerce.

Speaking at the opening of the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit in Lagos, Keyamo called on international investors to take advantage of the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation sector, describing Lagos as the natural hub for regional and intercontinental connectivity.

The three-day summit, convened by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attracted global investors, business leaders, policymakers and development partners. The event was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and attended by governors from several states and other top government officials.

Highlighting Lagos’ strategic importance, the minister disclosed that about 67 per cent of all international air passengers entering Nigeria arrive through Lagos, reinforcing its status as the country’s foremost aviation gateway.

According to him, Lagos’ geographical location provides a significant advantage, placing major destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa and South America within approximately six hours of flight time.

“Lagos is strategically positioned to become a major aviation hub connecting Africa with the rest of the world,” Keyamo said.

The minister revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a $500 million investment for the comprehensive reconstruction and modernization of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

He said the project would transform the over 50-year-old airport into a world-class facility capable of competing with leading aviation hubs on the continent.

“This is an investment from the nation’s resources to create a modern airport that Nigerians will be proud of. Within the next twenty-two months, the transformation will be evident to all,” he stated.

Keyamo also announced plans to improve access to the airport through the extension of the Lagos rail network. He said the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is working with the Lagos State Government to connect the rail line from Ikeja to the General Aviation Terminal, MM2 and the international terminal.

The rail project, he explained, will improve passenger movement, reduce travel time and strengthen Lagos’ position as a preferred destination for air travellers and investors.

The minister further assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting investments and fostering a business-friendly environment, citing the successful resolution of a long-standing dispute involving a private airport investor as evidence of the administration’s support for private sector participation.

He urged investors attending the summit to explore opportunities in both federal aviation infrastructure projects and the proposed airport development along the Lekki corridor.

Keyamo expressed confidence that ongoing reforms and infrastructure investments would enable Lagos to rival some of Africa’s most established aviation centres while reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading destination for trade, tourism and investment.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for urgent reductions in aviation taxes and charges across West Africa, saying the move would help lower airfares, strengthen airline competitiveness and unlock the growth potential of the region’s aviation sector.

Speaking at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Brazil, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi, identified Nigeria as one of the world’s most expensive countries in which to operate an airline, citing persistently high operating costs that continue to weigh on carriers.

Despite ongoing reforms spearheaded by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Al-Awadhi noted that airlines still face significant financial pressures arising from taxes, charges and other operational costs.

According to him, the high-cost operating environment has limited the ability of airlines to expand, remain profitable and compete effectively with carriers in other markets.

To address the challenge, IATA urged member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to implement a proposed 25 per cent reduction in aviation taxes and charges.

Al-Awadhi said the measure would make air travel more affordable, stimulate passenger demand and encourage greater investment in the aviation sector.

He explained that reducing the cost burden on airlines would improve regional connectivity, support economic growth and strengthen the role of aviation as a catalyst for trade and tourism.

Industry stakeholders have consistently advocated lower taxes and charges, arguing that the current cost structure places unnecessary pressure on airlines and ultimately increases the cost of travel for passengers.

The latest intervention by IATA is expected to strengthen ongoing discussions on aviation reforms in West Africa, particularly as governments seek ways to expand air transport networks, attract investment and improve the sustainability of local airlines.

Analysts believe that implementing the proposed tax reductions could help create a more enabling operating environment, allowing airlines to grow passenger traffic, improve service delivery and contribute more significantly to economic development across the region.

Leading aviation stakeholders have renewed their commitment to developing the next generation of industry professionals as the 15th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2026) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Summit concluded in Lagos.

The landmark event, organised by Travel & Business News at the NCAA Annex of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, brought together regulators, aviation executives, educators and students to chart a pathway for the future of Nigeria’s aerospace sector.

Held under the theme, “Soaring Beyond Limits: Youth Innovation and Leadership in Aviation,” the summit focused on empowering young Nigerians to play active roles in shaping the industry amid rapid technological transformation.

Addressing participants, Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, Dr. Gbenga Olowo, represented by Nurudeen Adeokin, said the future growth of aviation would depend largely on the ability of young innovators and leaders to embrace emerging technologies and drive transformation.

He reaffirmed Sabre’s commitment to supporting talent development through partnerships and educational initiatives designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by Mrs. Carol Adekotujo, highlighted the opportunities being created through ongoing growth in the sector and urged students to pursue practical training, mentorship and professional excellence.

According to him, tomorrow’s aviation leaders must develop expertise in cutting-edge areas such as sustainable aviation fuels, electric aircraft technology and autonomous flight systems.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency also used the platform to advocate for a drug-free lifestyle among aspiring aviation professionals.

Representing the Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Assistant Comptroller General (Narcotics), Mrs. Rita Geh, said substance abuse has no place in an industry where precision, safety and sound judgement are paramount.

The summit also celebrated academic excellence through the grand finale of the National Travel Essay Competition.

Oluwafemi Joshua Oluwaseyifunmi of Abesan Senior High School emerged winner in the secondary school category, while Odetayo Omolola Elizabeth of the University of Lagos secured first place among tertiary institution contestants.

Winners received cash prizes and sponsored flight tickets, with Arik Air providing a domestic travel ticket for the secondary school champion and South African Airways sponsoring an international ticket to Johannesburg for the tertiary category winner.

A newly introduced Steadfast Spirit Award, sponsored by former NTEC winner Mrs. Peace Jesulayomi Akinsulire, recognised perseverance and determination among contestants, further reinforcing the programme’s emphasis on character development alongside academic achievement.

The event ended with recognition for outstanding students and appreciation to supporting organisations, including NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Sabre West Africa, South African Airways, Arik Air, SAHCO Plc and OCP International.

Stakeholders at the summit unanimously pledged to deepen investment in youth empowerment initiatives, describing young Nigerians as the driving force behind the future growth, innovation and global competitiveness of the nation’s aviation industry.