Budget targets automation, staff training, safety upgrades and institutional reforms across aviation sector
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has proposed a total allocation of N7.46bn in the 2026 budget for technology upgrades, staff training, safety initiatives and wide-ranging operational reforms, as the Federal Government moves to strengthen efficiency and institutional capacity in the aviation sector.
Details contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill show that a significant portion of the funding will be deployed to automate key ministry operations, including library services, registry systems and performance management processes. Planned projects include the installation of a hybrid professional audio-visual conference system, digitisation of the ministry’s e-library, deployment of an enterprise content management system and the development of a statistical database to support data analysis and tracking of sustainable development goals.
The budget also places strong emphasis on staff welfare, capacity building and innovation. An allocation of N50m has been made for legal resources and arbitration tools, while N100m is set aside for aviation operations training. Another N50m will fund the procurement of Fargo ID card printers and partnership-based initiatives aimed at improving administrative efficiency.
Institutional strengthening is further reflected in plans for the construction of a new corporate headquarters and staff accommodation, with total allocations exceeding N5bn. The projects signal a renewed effort to improve working conditions and consolidate the ministry’s operational base.
Safety and international cooperation feature prominently in the proposed spending. The budget provides N3bn for aerospace university development, N250m for Bilateral Air Services Agreement and Multilateral Air Services Agreement engagements, and N100m for the training of air traffic controllers, meteorologists and other aviation personnel.
In line with the government’s digital transformation agenda, ICT upgrades, artificial intelligence applications and improved Wi-Fi infrastructure across airports are allocated N800m.
Additional provisions include N300m for consultancy services related to public-private partnership projects and airport concessions, N200m for the procurement of office equipment and general service items, and N150m to support annual aviation trade union forums. The ministry also proposed N500m for studies and the development of master plans for five international airports.
Other allocations captured in the budget include N235m for forensic audits, compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards, and aviation media initiatives.
Overall, the 2026 aviation budget reflects the Federal Government’s focus on modernisation, safety enhancement, human capital development and institutional reforms, even as stakeholders continue to watch how effectively the proposed funds will be released and utilised to improve service delivery across the sector.
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