Key players in Nigeria’s aviation sector are set to gather in Lagos on March 26, 2026, to discuss strategies for establishing the country as a major aviation hub and boosting its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The meeting, convened by the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) as part of its 2026 first-quarter Business Breakfast Meeting, will focus on policy direction, infrastructure development, and private sector participation in the aviation ecosystem. The theme, “Boosting Aviation Sector Contribution to GDP: The Importance of an Aviation Hub,” aims to stimulate high-level discussions on leveraging Nigeria’s geographic advantage and growing passenger traffic.
According to ASRTI Publicity Secretary, Albinus Chiedu, the meeting will provide a platform for stakeholders to explore practical pathways for increasing the aviation sector’s GDP contribution through hub infrastructure development and operational efficiency.
The lead paper will be delivered by Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), setting the tone for robust discussions on the sector’s strategic development.
The meeting will feature two panel sessions drawing participants from across the aviation value chain, including airline operators, airport managers, and allied service providers. Panelists include George Uriesi, CEO of Ibom Air; Dr Wale Babalakin, Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services; Capt. Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors; and Djamel Muradov of Air France/KLM. They will share insights on airline operations, airport management, and requirements for building a globally competitive aviation hub.
The second panel will focus on aviation allied businesses, featuring experts such as Dr Thomas Ogungbangbe of CITA Aviation Fuelling, Dr Segun Musa of Widescope International Group, Motayo Williams of Nigerbird Engineering, Damilola Ogunseye of the International Airlines Operators Committee, and Dr Seinde Fadeni, Chairman of NAHCO Plc and LSG Sky Chefs. Discussions will examine how support services—fueling, ground handling, engineering, logistics, and in-flight catering—can enhance value creation and contribute to GDP growth when integrated into a hub system.
Additional participants include the Managing Directors of AVSATEL Communications and Dominion Air, bringing perspectives on communications and emerging aviation services.
Albinus Chiedu highlighted that since its inception in 2015, the Business Breakfast Meetings have consistently shaped policy conversations, promoted safety, infrastructure development, financing, regulatory practices, and collaboration among aviation stakeholders.
ASRTI, Nigeria’s leading not-for-profit body for aviation professionals, reaffirmed its commitment to global best practices and strengthening the economic viability of the nation’s aviation sector.
