FG Prioritises Infrastructure as Aviation Sector Gets ₦87.31bn in 2026 Budget
The Federal Government has proposed a total allocation of ₦87.31 billion for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, with more than 80 per cent of the funds dedicated to capital projects aimed at infrastructure renewal and safety enhancement.
According to Punch, the budget framework reflects a strong shift toward long-term investments rather than recurrent spending, signalling the government’s renewed focus on modernising Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. Akahi News gathered that the allocation is one of the most capital-heavy aviation budgets in recent years.
Capital Projects Take the Lion’s Share
Details obtained from Punch indicate that ₦70.19 billion of the total allocation has been earmarked for capital expenditure, while ₦14.78 billion is set aside for personnel costs and ₦2.34 billion for overheads. Notably, the proposal makes no provision for retained independent revenue or external grants.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development received the highest allocation of ₦50.65 billion, with ₦48.55 billion committed to capital projects. Personnel costs stand at ₦1.35 billion, while overheads are budgeted at ₦745.74 million.
Akahi News learnt that this heavy capital emphasis aligns with ongoing efforts to rehabilitate ageing infrastructure, upgrade safety systems, and improve operational efficiency across airports and aviation agencies.
Key Agencies and Their Allocations
A breakdown of agency-level allocations further underscores the government’s infrastructure-first strategy:
- Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet): ₦11.84 billion, with ₦9.15 billion for personnel, ₦393.73 million for overheads, and ₦2.29 billion for capital projects — reflecting the agency’s labour-intensive nature.
- Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria: ₦11.28 billion, comprising ₦4.28 billion for personnel, ₦464.44 million for overheads, and ₦6.54 billion for capital expenditure.
- Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA): ₦6.3 billion allocated entirely to capital projects, with no provision for personnel or overheads.
- Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB): ₦7.24 billion, including ₦6.51 billion for capital projects and ₦734.09 million for overheads, also without personnel allocation.
Observers noted that agencies directly responsible for infrastructure, safety systems, and technical upgrades received stronger capital backing, suggesting a policy direction focused on long-term sector resilience.
Keyamo’s Push for Safety and Accountability
Punch reported that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has consistently argued that infrastructure renewal is critical to improving safety, service delivery, and global competitiveness.
During a presentation to the Joint National Assembly Committee on Aviation and Aviation Technology in January 2025, Keyamo emphasised transparency and accountability in public resource management. He disclosed that in the ministry’s 2024 budget performance, capital utilisation stood at 30.9 per cent, personnel costs achieved 100 per cent utilisation, while overhead expenditure recorded 99.97 per cent.
He also explained that the ministry’s 2025 budget proposal of ₦71.12 billion was similarly capital-driven, designed to strengthen safety oversight and enhance service delivery across the aviation value chain.
Akahi News gathered that the continuity of this approach into the 2026 budget signals a sustained policy commitment rather than a one-off fiscal adjustment.
Implications for the Aviation Sector
Analysts believe that prioritising capital projects could translate into improved airport infrastructure, safer air navigation systems, better training facilities, and stronger regulatory oversight. However, concerns remain over the historically low capital utilisation rates and whether agencies can effectively execute projects within budget timelines.
Industry stakeholders have also stressed the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure that allocated funds deliver measurable outcomes rather than being lost to delays or bureaucratic inefficiencies.
According to reports, successful implementation of the 2026 aviation budget could improve investor confidence, enhance passenger safety, and strengthen Nigeria’s regional aviation competitiveness.
While the proposed ₦87.31 billion allocation reflects a clear infrastructure-driven vision, its real impact will depend on efficient execution, transparency, and sustained political will. As the National Assembly reviews the appropriation bill, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the ambitious capital commitments translate into tangible improvements across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
For continuous updates and in-depth coverage of national economic and policy developments, stay connected with Akahi News.
Third-Party Source Disclaimer (Punch):
This report draws from information originally published by Punch. At the time of publication, Akahi News had no reason to doubt its accuracy. Akahi News has not independently verified all claims, and the original publisher bears responsibility for initial accuracy. Should the original publisher update, retract, or delete the story, Akahi News will review and update this publication as necessary.
🎓 Attend 2026 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org
