Keyamo Courts Global Investors, Showcases Lagos As Africa’s Next Aviation Hub
Nigeria’ s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Lagos into Africa’s foremost aviation and investment hub, while calling on international investors to take advantage of the enormous opportunities within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Minister made this declaration while delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony of Invest Lagos 3.0 summit, a three-day global investment summit convened by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The high-profile event attracted leading international investors, captains of industry, policymakers and development partners from across the globe. It was chaired by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima and attended by governors from Imo, Abia, Plateau and Nasarawa States, among other distinguished guests.
Welcoming investors to Lagos, Keyamo described the state as the undisputed gateway to Nigeria and one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs.
“Sixty-seven percent of all international passengers entering Nigeria by air come through Lagos State. This statistic alone demonstrates the attractiveness and strategic importance of Lagos as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and aviation gateway,” the Minister stated.
He disclosed that Nigeria currently operates seven international airports following the elevation of airports in Akwa Ibom and Maiduguri to international status, noting that the latter represents the first international airport in Nigeria’s North-East region, a landmark achievement under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the Minister, Lagos possesses a unique geographical advantage that positions it to become a major aviation hub for the African continent.
“Lagos is strategically located and equidistant to several major global destinations. Within approximately six hours, travellers can reach Europe, the Middle East, Southern Africa and South America. This geographical advantage makes Lagos ideally suited to serve as a central hub connecting Africa with the rest of the world,” he said.
He expressed confidence that with ongoing investments and reforms, Lagos would soon rival established African aviation hubs such as Addis Ababa and Togo.
Highlighting the Federal Government’s massive investment in aviation infrastructure, Keyamo revealed that President Tinubu has approved a $500 million investment for the comprehensive modernization and reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
“This is not borrowed money. It is an investment from the nation’s resources aimed at transforming a fifty-year-old airport into a world-class aviation hub. Within the next twenty-two months, Nigerians and visitors alike will witness a remarkable transformation that will make us all proud,” he assured. The Minister further announced plans to improve multimodal connectivity to the airport through the extension of the Lagos rail network.
He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is collaborating closely with the Lagos State Government to extend the rail line from Ikeja through the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), MM2 terminal and onward to the international terminal, significantly improving passenger movement and accessibility.
“Lagos is ready for the next big step in aviation development. The rail extension project will further enhance connectivity and support the state’s growing status as a regional aviation hub,” he stated.
Keyamo also highlighted the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to protecting investments and fostering a business-friendly environment. He cited the successful resolution of a two-decade-old dispute involving a private airport investor in Lagos, a challenge that previous administrations had been unable to resolve.
“This government has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to private sector participation. From aviation to other sectors of the economy, President Tinubu has consistently resolved long-standing investment disputes and created an environment that inspires investor confidence,” he said.
Commending Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for their investor-friendly policies and support for private enterprise, the Minister encouraged participants at the summit to explore investment opportunities in both federal and state aviation infrastructure projects.
“I invite you to invest not only in the Federal Government-owned airport infrastructure in Lagos but also in the proposed airport project along the Lekki corridor being championed by the Lagos State Government. The opportunities are immense, and the future is promising,” he concluded.
Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser On Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister says the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit serves as a strategic platform for attracting domestic and foreign investments into Lagos State and reinforcing its position as West Africa’s leading commercial and financial destination.
