WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has advised Nigeria’s Federal Government to prioritize the modernization and maintenance of airport infrastructure as a critical step toward strengthening the national aviation sector and improving global trade competitiveness.
Speaking at the Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in Lagos, Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that upgrading aviation facilities is essential for a country seeking to advance along the global value chain. She recommended establishing a stronger maintenance culture, acquiring new aircraft, and developing public-private partnerships to finance infrastructure projects without overburdening state budgets.
The WTO chief also called for a comprehensive review of rising operational expenses, including aviation fuel, taxes, and airport levies, noting that unchecked increases could strain airline profitability. She stressed the need for a stable regulatory framework, long-term concession structures, and a competitive tax environment to attract private investment. Okonjo-Iweala advised policymakers to view the industry as a strategic economic enabler rather than a revenue target, recommending market liberalization and the removal of restrictive bilateral flight agreements across Africa.
While acknowledging measurable improvements in Nigeria’s aviation safety records over the past two decades, she highlighted the need for domestic carriers to expand and modernize their fleets. Nigeria’s aviation sector currently operates more than 31 airports and supports 13 scheduled domestic airlines, contributing an estimated $1.7 billion to $2.5 billion annually to GDP. Persistent infrastructure gaps and steep operating costs remain significant barriers. Aviation fuel prices have surged approximately 184 percent in recent months, rising from ₦900 per litre in January to ₦2,557 per litre. Fuel consumption accounts for nearly 40 percent of airline expenditures, with maintenance representing the second-largest cost.
Implementing these policy reforms and securing coordinated public and private financing will be essential for reducing structural constraints. Executed effectively, the proposed investments and regulatory adjustments could improve operational reliability, stabilize cost pressures, and position Nigeria’s aviation market for sustained commercial growth and stronger regional connectivity.
