Key players in Nigeria’s aviation industry are set to converge in Lagos for a high-level discourse on how the country can harness aviation hub status to significantly boost its contribution to the national economy.
The meeting, organised by the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Golfview Hotels & Suites, under its 2026 first quarter Business Breakfast Meeting (BBM).
With the theme, “Boosting Aviation Sector Contribution to GDP: The Importance of an Aviation Hub,” the forum will bring together regulators, airline operators, service providers, and allied aviation businesses to explore strategies for enhancing the sector’s economic impact, particularly in relation to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, is expected to deliver the lead paper, setting the tone for discussions around infrastructure development, policy direction, and Nigeria’s readiness to become a regional aviation hub.
Industry observers anticipate that her presentation will highlight the role of airport modernisation, efficient operations, and regulatory alignment in positioning Nigeria as a central transit point for air travel across West and Central Africa.
The event will feature two panel sessions comprising prominent aviation executives and stakeholders. Among those billed to speak are Mr George Uriesi, Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air; Dr Wale Babalakin, Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited; Captain Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors; and Mr Djamel Muradov, representing Air France/KLM.
The discussions are expected to focus on airline operations, route expansion, partnerships, and the challenges confronting the industry, including cost pressures, infrastructure gaps, and policy inconsistencies.
A second panel will spotlight the contributions of aviation allied businesses to economic growth. Participants include Dr Thomas Ogungbagbe of CITA Aviation Fuelling, Dr Segun Musa of Widescope International Group, Motayo Williams of Nigerbird Engineering Limited, Mr Damilola Ogunseye, Chairman of the International Airlines Operators Committee, and Dr Seinde Fademi, Chairman of NAHCO Plc and LSG Sky Chefs.
Additionally, the Managing Directors of AVSATEL Communications and Dominion Air are expected to provide insights into the role of technology, communications, and specialised services in strengthening the aviation value chain.
Since its inception in 2015, ASRTI’s quarterly Business Breakfast Meetings have become a key platform for policy advocacy and industry dialogue. The initiative has contributed to improvements in critical areas such as airport development, airline management, aviation safety, accident investigation, infrastructure financing, and regulatory frameworks.
The forum has also addressed emerging issues including airport privatisation, foreign airline operations, passenger facilitation, customer satisfaction, and corporate governance within the aviation sector.
ASRTI, regarded as Nigeria’s leading not-for-profit aviation think tank, continues to champion the adoption of global best practices aimed at enhancing both safety and economic sustainability in the industry. Its membership comprises seasoned aviation professionals and organisations committed to the advancement of the sector.
As stakeholders gather in Lagos, expectations are high that the deliberations will yield actionable recommendations capable of repositioning Nigeria’s aviation industry as a major driver of economic growth and regional connectivity.
About The Author
