ValueJet Boosts Lagos–Owerri Connection to Daily Service Starting Late March
Nigerian carrier ValueJet is ramping up operations on one of the country's busiest domestic corridors, confirming that daily flights between Lagos and Owerri will begin on 23 March 2026. The airline currently serves the route with three departures per week but will more than double that to seven weekly frequencies, a move driven by strong passenger numbers and the need to offer greater scheduling flexibility.
The announcement is particularly relevant for travel professionals selling Nigerian domestic air services and those packaging connecting itineraries through Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, which serves as ValueJet's operational hub. With daily availability, agents can now book clients on the route with far more confidence, knowing there is a flight every single day rather than having to work around a limited midweek schedule.
Managing Director Captain Majekodunmi said the increased frequency reflects the airline's dedication to strengthening domestic connectivity across Nigeria. He pointed to the economic and social importance of the Lagos–Owerri corridor, a route that carries a diverse mix of business travellers, students, and families maintaining ties between the commercial capital and the South-East region. Making the service daily is expected to significantly improve both convenience and reliability for all these passenger segments.
ValueJet has come a long way in a relatively short period. Founded in 2018 by Kunle Soname, the entrepreneur behind the well-known sports betting brand Bet9ja, the airline launched its first commercial flights on 10 October 2022 with services to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Asaba, and Jos [[1]](https://leadership.ng/valuejet-begins-inaugural-flight-operations-in-nigeria/) [[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ValueJet_%28Nigeria%29). Since then, the carrier has progressively added destinations and frequencies, building a reputation for affordable fares and dependable operations in a market where reliability has not always been guaranteed.
For the broader African travel trade, the expansion offers a useful case study in how smaller, agile airlines can respond quickly to shifting demand patterns. Rather than waiting for fleet growth to dictate network decisions, ValueJet is reading the market and adjusting capacity where passengers need it most. This demand-led approach is something the continent needs more of, particularly as African air travel continues its post-pandemic recovery and more people choose to fly domestically rather than endure long road journeys.
The Lagos to Owerri route itself holds considerable untapped tourism potential. Owerri, the capital of Imo State, is surrounded by cultural attractions, local cuisine experiences, and a warm hospitality tradition that could appeal to both Nigerian leisure travellers and adventurous international visitors seeking authentic West African experiences. Daily air access from Lagos removes one of the key barriers to developing this potential further.
Agents should also consider the knock-on benefits for corporate travel. Many businesses operating in Nigeria's South-East rely heavily on the Lagos connection for meetings, supply chain management, and staff movements. A daily flight means same-day return trips become far more practical, eliminating the need for overnight stays and reducing overall travel costs for companies. This is the kind of efficiency gain that wins loyal corporate accounts for agents who position themselves as problem-solvers.
Looking ahead, the question for the Nigerian aviation market is whether other carriers will follow ValueJet's lead and boost frequencies on secondary domestic routes. Competition on trunk routes like Lagos–Abuja is already intense, but corridors linking Lagos to regional capitals in the South-East, North-Central, and North-West still have room for growth. Airlines that move early to claim these routes stand to build strong brand loyalty among underserved communities.
Travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa should take note of ValueJet's steady expansion as a sign of growing confidence in Nigeria's domestic aviation sector. Updating your systems to reflect the new daily schedule ahead of the 23 March launch will ensure your clients benefit from the improved connectivity from day one. In a market where timing and availability often determine the sale, being informed early is a genuine competitive advantage.
