Nigerian airports too dependent on single revenue stream – MMA2 operator

Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head, Aeronautics and Cargo Services at Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport domestic terminal two (MMA2), Mr. Remi Jibodu, has called on airport operators in Nigeria to diversify their revenue streams beyond traditional aeronautical sources. He spoke during the just concluded 2025 Airport Business Summit and […]

Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head, Aeronautics and Cargo Services at Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport domestic terminal two (MMA2), Mr. Remi Jibodu, has called on airport operators in Nigeria to diversify their revenue streams beyond traditional aeronautical sources.

He spoke during the just concluded 2025 Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) themed: ‘Investment Opportunities in Airport Public-Private Partnership’ in Lagos.

He observed that Nigerian airports are still overly dependent on aeronautical income, with most earning as much as 70% to 90% of their revenue from this stream alone.

Jibodu emphasised that the future of sustainable airport operations lies in strategic planning, digital adoption and investment in scalable infrastructure.

He pointed out that airport design and limited physical space often hinders expansion and constrains the development of viable non-aeronautical business models.

“Facilities that are not designed to scale become financial burdens, especially for the airlines that operate from them,” Jibodu said.

Jibodu stressed that modern airport development must be guided by long-term vision, taking into account future population growth, traffic projections, and evolving passenger needs.

According to Jibodu, Nigerian airports are still overly dependent on aeronautical income, with most earning as much as 70% to 90% of their revenue from this stream alone.

This, he noted, leaves them vulnerable and limits growth opportunities.

Citing Munich Airport as a global benchmark where non-aeronautical sources contribute up to 50% of total revenue, Jibodu said, “Revenue strategies must be inclusive, serving all stakeholders. After all, aviation is a key driver of trade and economic activity.”

He further highlighted the importance of designing terminals with expansion in mind. “When scalability isn’t built in from the start, growth becomes difficult and expensive. Many airports are now struggling with upgrades simply because their original designs didn’t plan for the future,” Jibodu explained.

The Ag. COO noted that MMA2 continues to leverage technology to enhance the travel experience.

He cited the terminal’s well-integrated car park and connecting bridge as it helps to ease passenger movement from the car park into the main terminal building where you have many side attractions and not forgetting the check-in counters.

According to Jibodu, a recent BASL study showed that passengers spend an average of about three minutes checking in at MMA2, depending on who attends to them—an achievement that inspired the rollout of smart innovations like e-gates.

“The e-gate not only improves efficiency but also provides critical data for security and planning,” Jibodu noted.

Jibodu commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for their continued commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s aviation sector.