Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the upgrade and maintenance of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.
Speaking at the Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in Lagos, she stressed that improving airport facilities is essential for Nigeria to compete globally and move up the value chain. She noted that investments should extend beyond aircraft acquisition to include strong maintenance systems across the aviation ecosystem.
Okonjo-Iweala also encouraged the government to embrace public-private partnerships, stating that private sector funding and expertise are crucial for modernising infrastructure. She explained that government’s role should focus on providing a stable regulatory environment and long-term frameworks that attract investors.
She further advised a review of rising operational costs in the sector, including fuel prices, taxes, and airport charges, which continue to strain airlines. Creating a more business-friendly environment, she said, would boost investor confidence and drive growth.
In addition, she urged policies that support fair taxation, market liberalisation, and regional cooperation to ease restrictions on African airlines. She emphasised that aviation should be treated as a strategic economic driver rather than a revenue source.
While acknowledging improvements in Nigeria’s aviation safety record over the past two decades, she noted that more progress is needed. She called on airlines to expand and upgrade their fleets to meet growing demand.
Nigeria’s aviation sector contributes between $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion to GDP but continues to face challenges such as high operating costs, infrastructure deficits, and soaring jet fuel prices, which now account for a significant share of airline expenses.