The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has proposed a budget of over N71 billion for 2025, emphasising infrastructure development and aviation education.
The budget which is awaiting National Assembly approval, earmarked N63.22 billion for capital expenditure, including the development of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja and key aviation infrastructure projects.
A significant portion of the capital expenditure, N20.53 billion, is for the construction and rehabilitation of aviation facilities.
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These include N5 billion for office buildings and N15.5 billion for airport and aerodrome projects. An additional N3.68 billion is proposed for the establishment of new annexes of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in five geopolitical zones, aiming to improve access to aviation training nationwide.
Also, N5 billion is allocated for the continued development of the AAAU’s permanent site in Abuja.
This investment is a step towards establishing the African Aviation and Aerospace University, which will serve as a Pan-African hub for aviation, aerospace, and environmental science education.
The university is aimed at addressing manpower shortages and advancing research in the aviation and aerospace sectors.
A significant portion of the capital expenditure will also go towards expanding aviation training facilities across the country.
As announced by Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace, in July 2024, the ministry also plans to collaborate with the private sector to develop key infrastructure, such as hostels, clinics, conference centres, and hotels, in light of the university’s proximity to the airport.
Keyamo emphasised the importance of advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscoring the strategic role of infrastructure development and education in positioning the country as a leader in the African aviation and aerospace industries.
Other key expenditure include N5 billion for safety and critical security projects and airport certification nationwide, N2 billion for the purchase of fire trucks for airports, N1 billion for the procurement, installation and maintenance of escalators, travelators and lifts at various airports.
Also, N4 billion for rehabilitation/development of Osubi Airstrip, Delta State, N2 billion for power improvement at the airports with solar and gas turbines for Owerri, Benin, Osubi, Akure, Calabar and others.
N1.5 billion for Provision / upgrade of WiFi services for passengers in five international airports and some domestic airports.
N5 billion for power/energy improvement at Lagos and other airports.
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The budget is, however, not without criticisms. Martin Gegenheimer, vice president of Swiss Aviation Group, expressed skepticism over certain allocations, particularly the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) negotiations. Gegenheimer questioned the extensive funds allocated under BASA, describing it as ambiguous and unnecessary.
“My response to this budget is as poor as the budget itself. I haven’t seen anything that significantly advances the aviation sector, such as the start-up of a national carrier. It seems like a lot of padding, with ambiguity built into several allocations,” Gegenheimer said.
He also highlighted discrepancies in the proposed infrastructure investments, suggesting that the funds allocated for airport upgrades are insufficient to achieve meaningful improvements.
He argued that while the budget addresses infrastructure and education, it lacks clarity and focus on other pressing aviation needs.
Gegenheimer added that the absence of clear plans for a national carrier or substantial progress in modernising existing airports raises concerns about the strategic direction of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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