Lagos State, Nigeria Sets Sights on Launching Own Airline and Constructing New Airport at Lekki

Lagos State, located in southwestern Nigeria, is making strategic moves to bolster its aviation sector with plans to establish its own airline and build a new airport at Lekki. These ambitious initiatives were recently disclosed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a public forum. The governor revealed that he and the Deputy Governor have spent the past five months crafting a detailed plan for the airline, focusing on understanding the nuances of airline operations and securing viable financial models.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the viability of the business plan and the advanced stage of discussions regarding financing. However, he noted the importance of acquiring comprehensive information on operational procedures before proceeding with the implementation. The next steps for this venture include obtaining federal government approval and developing operational contingencies.

According to ch-aviation PRO airports data, the primary airport in Lagos, which shares its name with the state, is the second busiest in Nigeria. It currently serves as a hub for 35 airlines, providing connections to 56 destinations across 35 countries.

In a separate but related development, the state government is also moving forward with the decade-old plan to develop the Lekki-Epe International Airport. The project, however, has faced challenges, including opposition from local landowners. The planned airport, spanning 3,500 hectares in the eastern part of the state, will be developed through a public-private partnership model. The first stage of the airport project is estimated to cost around USD 900 million. A recent optimistic statement from a Lagos government official suggested that the airport could be operational by the end of 2025, with a capacity to handle five million passengers annually.

These developments in Lagos State represent significant steps towards enhancing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and connectivity. The establishment of a state-owned airline and the construction of a new airport underscore the government’s commitment to improving transportation facilities and boosting economic growth in the region.