The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, has said Nigeria needs at least two to three strong flag carriers to realise its ambition of becoming an aviation hub in West Africa.
Speaking at the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ART) Q1 Business Breakfast Meeting, themed “Boosting Aviation Sector Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP: The Importance of An Aviation Hub,” Kuku noted that having multiple competitive airlines would strengthen connectivity, increase passenger traffic, and enhance the country’s global aviation relevance.
She explained that ongoing investments in airport infrastructure are already positioning Nigeria as a key aviation gateway on the continent.
According to her, improved facilities and operational standards are critical to attracting international carriers and supporting local airlines to expand their networks.
Kuku added that developing a functional hub requires a combination of strong carriers, modern infrastructure, and supportive policies, stressing that Nigeria has the potential to compete with established aviation hubs in Africa if these elements are effectively aligned.
