The Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos has recorded an 11.8 percent growth in air traffic movements in 2025—the fastest among Africa’s top airports.

In cargo, Lagos also ranked among the continent’s leaders with a remarkable 34.4 percent increase, the highest within the Top 10.

These were disclosed by Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) who highlighted fresh data underscoring Nigeria’s rising aviation profile during the ACI Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition in Luanda.

According to rankings presented at the conference, two Nigerian airports—Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos—placed among Africa’s Top 10.

Citing Official Airline Guide data, Kuku noted that Nigeria is now Africa’s second-largest domestic passenger market, with over 10.5 million passengers and 10 percent year-on-year growth.

“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.”

Looking ahead, 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.”

Over the past several days, delegates from across Africa convened under the theme ‘Stronger Airports, Stronger Africa.’ In her remarks, Kuku emphasised 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. (BusinessDay)

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