• New master plan targets aviation development through 2045

• Nigeria ranks second in Africa for domestic air traffic

• Infrastructure gaps and funding remain key challenges

Nigeria has received a new Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP) from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), laying out a long-term strategy to modernize its aviation sector over the next two decades.

The document was officially handed over on April 14, 2026, on the sidelines of the Global Implementation Support Symposium held in Morocco. Developed over the past year by ICAO experts in collaboration with Nigerian aviation authorities, the plan provides a structured roadmap for the sector from 2026 to 2045.

The CAMP outlines priority actions to strengthen infrastructure planning, regulatory and policy frameworks, operational performance, and institutional capacity. It covers key technical areas including air navigation services, airport development, air transport economics, safety oversight, as well as security and facilitation.

The initiative comes amid strong growth in Nigeria’s aviation market. Driven by expanding domestic flights and the rise of private carriers, the country has become Africa’s second-largest domestic aviation market, with about 10.5 million passengers recorded in 2025, according to local reports citing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

This growth, however, has exposed major infrastructure gaps. Despite heavy traffic, airports in Lagos and Abuja continue to fall short of international standards. Both have been absent for years from the Skytrax World Airport Awards rankings, which assess passenger experience across services such as check-in, security, immigration, and retail offerings.

In response, authorities have launched a series of modernization projects in recent years, including terminal expansions, runway rehabilitation, upgraded security equipment, self-check-in systems, and the introduction of e-visa services.

Still, implementing the new master plan will not be without challenges. Securing funding, coordinating across institutions, and strengthening local technical expertise remain key hurdles. Issues related to governance and policy stability could also affect the pace and effectiveness of reforms over the long term.

Henoc Dossa