Nigeria’s reported 18.8 million air passengers in 2025 has come under scrutiny after aviation experts and previously released industry figures raised questions about the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s latest passenger traffic estimate.
FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku presented the 18.8 million figure at the ACI Africa Regional Conference in Abuja, saying it represented an 11.9 per cent increase from the previous year and made Nigeria Africa’s fourth-largest aviation market.
However, the figure differs from earlier data attributed to FAAN. A passenger traffic analysis released in June put total traffic at about 17.94 million in 2025, comprising 13.09 million domestic and 4.85 million international passengers.
Another earlier statement in April placed domestic passenger traffic at more than 10.5 million, further contributing to uncertainty over how the latest figures were compiled and reconciled.
The conflicting numbers have prompted calls for greater transparency over Nigeria’s aviation statistics, particularly as passenger traffic figures influence assessments of market growth, airport capacity and investment opportunities.
FAAN has also reported rising airline capacity, including a 37.4 per cent increase in scheduled seats nationally in September, highlighting continued expansion in the sector.
Clear and consistent passenger data will be important for airlines, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders planning future aviation infrastructure and services.
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