Nigeria Poised for Aviation Boom as AFCAC Pushes Hub Upgrades and Fare Reductions
Nigeria’s aviation industry is set to undergo a seismic transformation as the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) unveils an ambitious strategy to elevate Lagos and Abuja into premier African flight hubs. This drive, centered on a blend of regulatory overhaul, infrastructure investment, and fiscal reforms, could see airfares cut by a third and passenger volumes soar by more than 50% in the next five years—an outcome that would reverberate across Africa’s entire travel ecosystem.
Presenting at a high-profile industry summit, AFCAC Secretary General Ms. Funke Adeyemi outlined a “playbook” designed to unlock Nigeria’s aviation potential and secure its place as the continent’s ultimate air gateway. Despite the sector’s current contribution of \$2.5 billion to GDP and support for over 200,000 jobs, Adeyemi emphasized that Nigeria’s aviation is still “on the runway,” not yet flying at full altitude. The country, with its vast population of over 220 million and strategic geographic positioning, remains underutilized in terms of connectivity and passenger access.
One of the most pressing challenges is the high cost of air travel—a reality that sees the average Nigerian working for six weeks just to afford a single flight. In contrast, low-cost carriers in Europe have democratized air travel, making it accessible to a much broader segment of the population. Addressing this imbalance is central to AFCAC’s vision for a more inclusive and prosperous aviation sector.
The linchpin of the reform agenda is a comprehensive “Fiscal Reset”, which targets the removal of non-aviation taxes and distortionary levies that inflate ticket prices. A critical breakthrough is already on the horizon: starting January 1, 2026, ECOWAS member states will implement a 25% reduction in ticket taxes, following a landmark agreement by regional heads of state. This move is expected to provide immediate relief to travelers and stimulate demand for air travel across West Africa.
Beyond fiscal measures, AFCAC is championing regulatory innovations such as “Fifth Freedom Rights”. These rights allow airlines to pick up and drop off passengers at multiple African cities on a single journey, enabling Nigerian carriers to operate multi-destination routes—like Lagos–Accra–Dakar—and improve profitability on emerging corridors. Such freedoms are set to increase competition, boost operational efficiency, and ultimately drive down airfares through market forces.
A centerpiece of AFCAC’s action plan is a bold “180-day sprint” to translate reforms into tangible benefits. Key proposals include:
- Domesticating Regional Travel: Under the
Banjul Accord, flights among seven West African nations would be
classified as domestic, instantly waiving international overflight fees
and cutting operational costs for regional airlines such as Air
Peace.
- Infrastructure Modernization: The
strategy moves beyond new terminals to focus on practical “hub
fixes”—like upgrading air traffic control and improving ground access.
The goal is to boost on-time performance at Lagos and Abuja airports to
above 80%, enhancing reliability for both travelers and
operators.
- Direct African Connections: With only 35%
of intra-African travel currently direct, the roadmap calls for
launching 30 to 40 new routes in the next three years. Prioritizing
seamless corridors such as Lagos–Abidjan and Abuja–Douala, these
connections are designed to unlock new markets and facilitate smoother
passenger journeys.
Looking further ahead, the vision is for Nigeria to play a leading role in the full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Treating Africa as an open sky, SAATM would allow Nigerian carriers to leverage the country’s sizable diaspora, vibrant business travel sector, and robust agricultural cargo flows to drive economic integration across the continent. This open market approach is expected to foster healthy competition, encourage investment, and create new opportunities for airlines, airports, and the wider tourism sector.
AFCAC’s Secretary General captured the prevailing mood of optimism, stating, “Nigeria has the demand, the location, and the ambition. SAATM gives us the rulebook. What remains is the coordinated execution to ensure Nigeria’s growth story is told not in theory, but in schedules loaded and fares paid.”
For Africa’s travel industry professionals, these developments present immense potential. Lower barriers to air travel and improved hub performance could spur new business models, stimulate tourism flows, and strengthen Nigeria’s role as a regional connector. As the market shifts, forward-thinking operators and service providers should be prepared to adapt, innovate, and seize the emerging opportunities in one of Africa’s most dynamic aviation environments.
