Manny Ita
The Federal Government has proposed a total allocation of N87.3 billion to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, signalling a strategic focus on completing ongoing airport expansion projects and upgrading safety-critical infrastructure across the country.
The proposed allocation represents a reduction from the N105.9 billion provided in the 2025 budget, but officials say it reflects a more targeted approach aimed at finalising key projects under President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” infrastructure agenda rather than initiating new large-scale developments.
Budget documents show that about N33.9 billion of the proposed funding is dedicated to the rehabilitation and upgrade of airports nationwide. At the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, N1 billion has been earmarked for the expansion of the General Aviation Terminal apron, a project intended to increase aircraft handling capacity and ease passenger movement at the major aviation hub in northern Nigeria.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, N800 million has been allocated for the expansion of the General Aviation Terminal and associated parking facilities. This allocation is separate from the planned long-term overhaul of Terminal One, estimated at N712 billion, which involves stripping the existing structure down to its frame for a comprehensive rebuild.
The budget also provides for a N4 billion refund to the Kebbi State Government for its initial investment in the construction of the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi. In Maiduguri, N800 million has been proposed for apron expansion, while an additional N200 million is set aside for perimeter fencing and the construction of a new helicopter park to enhance security and operational efficiency.
In addition to physical infrastructure, the 2026 proposal places strong emphasis on what officials describe as “invisible” infrastructure aimed at improving aviation safety and operational reliability. The Federal Executive Council has approved the modernisation of VHF radio communication systems at nine airports, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano, to improve clarity and reliability in pilot-to-air traffic controller communications.
The budget further allocates N800 million for sealing cracks on runways, aprons and taxiways at major airports in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, while another N800 million is provided for the procurement and installation of airfield lighting systems at Ilorin Airport to support night operations and landings in low-visibility conditions.
On the administrative and human capital side, N5 billion has been proposed for the construction of a new corporate headquarters and staff accommodation for the Ministry of Aviation and its agencies in Abuja. An additional N3 billion has been earmarked for the Aerospace University, Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen local capacity and expertise within Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace sector.
