Nigeria’s domestic airline industry is contributing an estimated $449.7 million annually to the national economy and employing 29,900 people, according to new data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The figures, featured in IATA’s recent report titled “The Value of Air Transport to Nigeria’s Economy”, underscore the vital role of the domestic aviation sector in driving economic growth, employment, and connectivity.
Overall, Nigeria’s aviation sector contributes $2.5 billion to the Gross Domestic Product, representing 0.7% of the nation’s GDP. The industry also supports over 217,000 jobs across its value chain.
Jobs and GDP: A Breakdown of Nigeria’s Air Transport Value
The report showed that the aviation industry in Nigeria directly employs 39,500 people, while support services including airlines, airports, air navigation services, aircraft manufacturing, and tourism create tens of thousands of additional jobs.
“In addition to the $449.7 million impact and 29,900 jobs tied to airlines, airports, and air navigation services, another $252.4 million in GDP and 9,600 jobs come from civil aviation manufacturing and related infrastructure,” IATA stated.
Tourism, closely linked to the aviation sector, adds another $454.1 million to the economy, sustaining 66,600 jobs. IATA said international tourists spend over $760 million annually on local services and goods in Nigeria.
IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, described Nigeria’s aviation industry as a transformative force.
“Aviation is a powerful engine for economic and social development. Nigeria’s National Day is a good opportunity to reflect on the immense value aviation brings to the country,” Alawadhi noted.
While highlighting gains in air travel, Alawadhi acknowledged the cost burden for the average Nigerian, despite cheaper ticket prices over time.
“Between 2011 and 2023, real airfare prices fell by 43 per cent. Still, affordability remains a challenge, the average Nigerian must work nearly 38 days to afford a single plane ticket,” he added.
Passenger Numbers, Cargo Growth, But Connectivity Declines
Despite infrastructure and job growth, Nigeria’s international air connectivity is slipping. The report revealed a 1.5% drop in connectivity within Africa, and a 21% decline with regions outside the continent since 2014.
Only 1% of international passengers arriving in Nigeria connect onward to another destination, suggesting a missed opportunity for the country to become a regional air travel hub.
Still, international air travel remains substantial. In 2023, 23% of all Origin-Destination departures were international. Of the 2.1 million international departures:
- 38% were to Europe
- 23% to other African nations
- 18% to North America
Domestically, air travel is growing. Nigerians took 40 flights per 1,000 people in 2023, and the country handled 195,700 tonnes of air cargo, reflecting aviation’s essential role in supporting trade, logistics, and economic activity.
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