The Federal Government has allocated ₦3.68 billion in the 2025 budget to establish annexes of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in five geopolitical zones, marking a significant step toward decentralizing aviation training in the country.
Since its inception in 1964, NCAT has served as Nigeria’s foremost aviation training institution and is recognized as a Regional Training Centre by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Currently, the college operates only one annex in Lagos, Nigeria’s aviation hub.
Under the new plan, annexes will be established in Akure (South-West), Osubi (South-South), Ebonyi (South-East), Ilorin (North Central), and Yola (North East). The project is classified as a new initiative in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 2025 budget.
The decentralization effort, which has been long discussed, aims to expand access to world-class aviation training across the country.
Additionally, the Federal Government plans to spend ₦1.6 billion on consultancy services and transaction advisers for aviation-related projects, including ₦800 million for the concession of five airport terminals and another ₦800 million for other public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives.
The concession of airport terminals, a controversial program under the previous administration of Senator Hadi Sirika, had faced opposition from aviation unions but was ultimately approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Concession agreements for the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja were finalized, with Corporacion American Airport Consortium as the preferred bidder.
However, the new Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has temporarily suspended these projects while maintaining that the concession plan remains active.
This initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing aviation infrastructure, enhancing training opportunities, and fostering economic growth through the aviation sector.
