The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended an invitation to European firms to contribute their expertise towards the construction of a second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Speaking at the Eurocham Nigeria 2025 Annual Stakeholders Conference in Lagos on Thursday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the appeal, stressing the need for international collaboration to deliver world-class aviation infrastructure. Represented by his Special Adviser on Service Delivery, Janet Oputa, Keyamo highlighted the second runway project as a significant investment opportunity for European technical specialists and financiers.
He noted that the government is eager to tap into European innovation and engineering prowess to ensure the project meets global standards.
This appeal follows recent tensions over the contract for the runway’s construction. Just last week, Keyamo hinted at the possible termination of the N90 billion contract originally awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The company had requested a cost revision, increasing the budget to N532 billion—a figure the minister deemed excessive.

Beyond the Abuja second runway, Keyamo emphasised additional areas where European collaboration is crucial in modernising Nigeria’s aviation sector. These include developing airport infrastructure, integrating sustainable technology such as solar-powered airports, and investing in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. He stressed that such partnerships would enhance operational efficiency, reduce foreign dependency, and improve overall safety and sustainability in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Keyamo also outlined the Federal Government’s achievements in revitalising the aviation sector, positioning it as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic reform agenda. He highlighted the country’s improved compliance with the Cape Town Convention, which has risen from 49% to 75.5%. This progress has facilitated easier fleet expansion for Nigerian airlines, with efforts underway to enhance access to aircraft through dry lease arrangements.
Additionally, he pointed to the launch of a consumer protection portal aimed at improving passenger experiences and holding airlines accountable. The minister also spoke on the restructuring of Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA), which has enabled Nigerian carriers to expand their international routes.
Infrastructure development has remained a priority, with investments directed towards upgrading key airports, including Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The construction of Abuja’s second runway is part of this broader strategy, alongside the concession of five international airports to private investors, spurring terminal upgrades and sectoral growth.
Nigeria has also seen a rise in private airstrip developments, contributing to both job creation and infrastructure expansion. Keyamo further emphasised the ongoing establishment of world-class MRO facilities in collaboration with private partners, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign aircraft maintenance services and generate employment opportunities locally.