The Federal Government has earmarked a total of N87.31bn for the Ministry of Aviation in the proposed 2026 budget submitted to the National Assembly, reflecting a notable reduction in funding despite sustained calls for increased investment in aviation infrastructure.
The allocation represents a drop of N18.6bn from the N105.95bn approved for the ministry in 2025, even as stakeholders continue to advocate for major upgrades across the sector. However, the 2026 provision is significantly higher than the N63.32bn allocated in 2024, indicating an overall upward trend compared to earlier years.
A breakdown of the budget shows that N14.78bn has been set aside for personnel expenses, while N2.34bn is allocated for overhead costs. Capital expenditure accounts for the largest share of the budget, with N70.19bn earmarked for aviation projects and infrastructure development during the fiscal year.
According to details contained in the budget document, N33.91bn will be spent on the rehabilitation and upgrade of airport infrastructure nationwide. This includes improvements to terminal buildings, runways, aprons, and perimeter fencing at various airports across the country.
The government also plans to enhance passenger experience by installing or upgrading Wi-Fi services at five international airports and selected domestic airports, at an estimated cost of N800m. Additionally, N500m has been allocated for the installation of water-cooling chillers at the Lagos and Abuja airports.
Other infrastructure projects outlined in the document include the construction of a sewage treatment plant at Owerri Airport for N21m, as well as the organisation of a bi-annual Joint Aviation Trade Unions stakeholders’ forum, budgeted at N150m.
Further rehabilitation works planned for 2026 include the sealing of cracks on runways, aprons, and taxiways at major airports in Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos, at a combined cost of N800m. The government also intends to procure and install airfield lighting systems at Ilorin Airport for another N800m.
Several terminal and apron projects are also listed in the budget. These include the remodelling of the terminal building at Katsina Airport for N175m, the rehabilitation and upgrade of the terminal building and car park at Calabar Airport for N200m, and the expansion of the apron at Maiduguri Airport, estimated at N800m. The expansion of the General Aviation Terminal apron at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is projected to cost N1bn.
In terms of security and access infrastructure, N350m has been allocated for the construction of perimeter fencing and an access road at Ajaka/Okuta Airstrip in Kogi State. Perimeter fencing at Ilorin Airport is estimated at N325m, while N200m has been budgeted for fencing works and the construction of a helicopter park at Maiduguri Airport. The fencing of Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, will cost N50m, alongside N350m for the construction of an access road to the airport.
To rehabilitate four airstrips nationwide, the government estimates a cost of N2.63bn. The airstrips listed include Hadejia in Jigawa State, Osubi in Delta State, and the Ibru-Edo and Uli-Okija airstrips in Edo and Anambra states, respectively.
Reacting to the budget, the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi, called on the Federal Government to pursue comprehensive and meaningful reforms in the aviation sector, stressing that policy announcements alone would not resolve long-standing challenges.
Sanusi, who noted that he was not fully briefed on the performance of the 2025 budget, said airlines were particularly keen on the completion of critical infrastructure projects. He identified priorities such as the construction of a second runway in Abuja, the upgrade of the Lagos terminal, and improvements to runways in Lagos and other locations as developments that would significantly enhance airline operations.
According to him, genuine aviation reform must be guided by a clear strategy and supported by a properly aligned budget, covering the entire aviation value chain. He warned that without a structured and comprehensive reform framework, the sector would continue to face difficulties despite ongoing projects and policy initiatives.
