Africazine:
The Nigerian government is set to invest significantly in airport infrastructure in the 2026 fiscal year.
A total of N33,906,953,400 has been proposed for the rehabilitation and upgrade of airports, runways, terminals, and safety systems nationwide. This budget aims to address critical repairs and modernize facilities at both local and international airports.
Nigeria’s Major Airport Rehabilitation Plans
A substantial portion of the budget focuses on repairing cracked runways and expanding airport facilities. Major airports in Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt will receive N800m for runway repairs. Additionally, N800m is allocated for airfield lighting systems at Ilorin Airport.
Terminal rehabilitation projects are also prioritized. The Katsina Airport terminal will be remodeled for N175m, while the Calabar Airport terminal and car park will undergo upgrades costing N200m. The Maiduguri Airport apron expansion is pegged at N800m, and N1bn is earmarked for the General Aviation Terminal apron at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
Nigeria: Key figures on Airport Rehabilitation Budget
- N33,906,953,400
- N800m for runway repairs at major airports
- N800m for airfield lighting systems at Ilorin Airport
- N175m for remodeling Katsina Airport terminal
- N200m for Calabar Airport terminal and car park upgrades
- N800m for Maiduguri Airport apron expansion
- N1bn for General Aviation Terminal apron at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
- N350m for perimeter fencing at Ajaka/Okuta Airstrip
- N325m for perimeter fencing at Ilorin Airport
- N200m for fencing of Maiduguri Airport
- N5bn for safety- and security-critical projects
- N400m for monitoring and evaluation of aviation capital projects
- N500m for water-cooling chillers at Lagos and Abuja airports
- N1bn for airport power improvement projects
- N500m for passenger boarding bridges at Lagos Airport
- N700m for a new baggage handling system at Lagos Airport
- N21m for sewage treatment plant at Owerri Airport
- N140m for rescue and fire service building at Calabar Airport
- N57m for clinics at major airports
Focus on Safety and Security Enhancements
The budget emphasizes perimeter security, with allocations for fencing and access roads at various airports. Notably, N350m is set aside for perimeter fencing at Ajaka/Okuta Airstrip, while Ilorin Airport will receive N325m for similar purposes. The construction of a helicopter park at Maiduguri Airport is budgeted at N200m.
In addition to major airports, several airstrips across Nigeria will be rehabilitated, including Hadejia Airstrip in Jigawa State for N560m and Osubi Airstrip in Delta State for N2bn. The development of airstrips in Abeokuta and Umuahia is also included in the budget.
Next Steps in Nigeria’s Airport Infrastructure Overhaul
- Ongoing projects will continue as part of a multi-year plan.
- Certification of Lagos and Abuja airports is slated to cost N400m.
- Upgrade of instrument landing systems from Category I to II/III at major airports is budgeted at N350m.
This budget marks a significant commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s airport infrastructure and safety standards.
