The Federal Government has proposed a N580m allocation for the procurement of airport cooling systems and software upgrades as part of its broader spending plan for the aviation sector in the 2026 fiscal year. The allocation is embedded within the proposed N87.3bn budget earmarked for the industry.
A breakdown of the budget proposal indicates that N500m has been set aside specifically for the purchase of chillers for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. An additional N80m is allocated for upgrades to the aviation sector’s financial management systems and associated software, although the specific software platforms to be updated were not disclosed in the document.
Beyond cooling systems and software, the government plans to improve passenger experience and airport operations through several other infrastructure upgrades. The budget includes N800m for the installation and enhancement of Wi-Fi services at five international airports, as well as selected domestic airports across the country. In addition, water-cooling chillers are scheduled for installation at both the Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, with a combined cost of N500m.
The proposed spending also covers environmental and operational improvements. According to the budget document, N21m has been allocated for the construction of a sewage treatment plant at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri. The government also plans to organise a bi-annual Joint Aviation Trade Unions stakeholders’ forum, for which N150m has been earmarked, aimed at fostering dialogue between industry regulators, operators, and labour unions.
In terms of safety and operational efficiency, the 2026 budget outlines a series of rehabilitation works across key airports. The government intends to seal cracks on runways, aprons, and taxiways at major airports in Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos, with N800m allocated for the project. Additionally, N800m is set aside for the procurement and installation of airfield lighting systems at Ilorin Airport to enhance night operations and overall safety.
A broader review of the aviation ministry’s proposed expenditure shows a strong emphasis on capital investment. Personnel costs for the year are estimated at N14.78bn, while overhead expenses are projected at N2.34bn. The bulk of the allocation N70.19bn is designated for capital projects, reflecting the government’s focus on infrastructure development within the sector.
Further details indicate that N33.91bn of the capital expenditure will be dedicated to the rehabilitation and upgrading of airport infrastructure nationwide. These projects include improvements to terminal buildings, runways, aprons, perimeter fencing, and other critical airport facilities.
Notably, the budget proposal contains no provisions for retained independent revenue, external aid, or grant funding, suggesting that the planned projects will rely entirely on government allocations. Overall, capital spending accounts for more than 80 per cent of the total aviation budget, underscoring the administration’s priority on upgrading infrastructure and improving operational standards across Nigeria’s airport network in 2026.
