‘Despite $2.5bn GDP contribution, aviation still underperforming’

Industry stakeholders have raised concerns over the underperformance of Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that despite contributing about $2.5 billion annually to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the industry remains far below its full potential. The concerns were expressed at the 2026 first quarter Business Breakfast Meeting (Q1 BBM) of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative […]

Industry stakeholders have raised concerns over the underperformance of Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that despite contributing about $2.5 billion annually to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the industry remains far below its full potential.

The concerns were expressed at the 2026 first quarter Business Breakfast Meeting (Q1 BBM) of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative (ASRTI), where key players across the aviation value chain called for urgent reforms to reposition the sector as a major driver of economic growth.

Speaking at the event, the President of ASRTI, Ademola Onitiju, said that although aviation contributes between $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP and supports over 216,000 jobs, the sector is still constrained by structural and operational challenges.