Nigeria Now Africa’s Second Largest Domestic Passenger Market
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku says Nigeria is now Africa’s second-largest domestic passenger market
Delivering a stirring closing address that celebrated Africa’s aviation rebound while issuing a formal invitation for the continent to gather next in Abuja, Kuku made this declaration at the ACI Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition in Luanda, Angola.
Citing Official Airline Guide data, Mrs. Kuku noted that Nigeria is now Africa’s second-largest domestic passenger market, with over 10.5 million passengers and 10% year-on-year growth.
Mrs. Kuku highlighted fresh data underscoring Nigeria’s rising aviation profile. According to rankings presented at the conference, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, recorded an 11.8% growth in air traffic movements in 2025—the fastest among Africa’s top airports. In cargo, Lagos ranked among the continent’s leaders with a remarkable 34.4% increase, the highest within the Top 10.
On domestic passenger traffic, two Nigerian airports—Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos—placed among Africa’s Top 10.
“These are not just statistics,” she said. “They reflect the growing strategic importance of Nigeria as a key aviation, logistics, and commercial hub on the continent.”
Theme of the conference was “Stronger Airports, Stronger Africa.” In her remarks, Mrs. Kuku emphasized that airports are far more than transit points. They are strategic assets driving trade, tourism, employment, and economic integration.
“The future of African aviation will depend not only on infrastructure, but also on partnership, innovation, resilience, and the courage to think long term,” she told the audience, thanking the government and people of Angola, the airport authorities, and the ACI Africa Secretariat for their hospitality. She also singled out Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos (SGA) for its partnership in delivering a memorable event.
Looking ahead, Mrs Kuku formally invited delegates to the next ACI Africa gathering, scheduled for 19–25 September 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, under the theme “Next Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience.” She called for a new breed of airports that are agile, financially sustainable, technologically enabled, and customer-focused.
“Hosting this next conference is both an honour and a responsibility,” she said.
“We look forward to receiving you with the hospitality, energy, and spirit for which Nigeria is proudly known.”
She closed by thanking colleagues for their commitment to ACI Africa and wishing them safe travels home.
