By Micah Jonah, March 4, 2026
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector say foreign financial institutions and aircraft lessors have been cautious about investing in the country in recent years, citing governance concerns, unresolved disputes, and investor protection challenges.
Aviation analyst, Lanre Bamgbose explained that investors evaluate the broader commercial and institutional framework before committing funds. He noted that ongoing legal disputes in the sector, including cases involving Arik Air shareholders, have contributed to cautious investment decisions.
Bamgbose highlighted that international financiers, such as the European Credit Agency, US Exim Bank, Export Development Canada, and the Pacific Export Finance Corporation, monitor governance structures, contract enforcement, and dispute resolution before investing in Nigeria.
Former Nigeria Airways engineer, Charles Amokwu said the limited engagement of global financiers has affected fleet renewal, aircraft acquisition, and airport infrastructure development in the sub-region. He added that operators often rely on short-term or higher-cost arrangements due to restricted access to long-term financing.
Experts say restoring investor confidence may require reviewing past contractual disputes, enhancing the aviation leasing framework, and improving enforcement of commercial agreements. They noted that these measures, alongside regulatory reforms, could gradually increase international investment in the sector.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has engaged with aircraft manufacturers, financiers to encourage investment, while sector stakeholders emphasize that institutional clarity and transparent practices remain important to sustain interest.
