The Chief Operating Officer of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL), Remi Jibodu, has called on airport operators across Nigeria to rethink their revenue models by diversifying income streams beyond traditional flight operations. Speaking at the 2025 Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) held in Lagos, Jibodu emphasized the urgent need for innovation in the financial strategies of airport management.
With this year’s summit themed “Investment Opportunities in Airport Public-Private Partnership,” the event focused on unlocking new avenues for sustainable growth through collaboration between government and private stakeholders in the aviation industry. Jibodu warned that Nigerian airports are currently over-reliant on income generated from airline-related activities, a trend that limits long-term growth and economic resilience.
He pointed out that most airports in Nigeria operate with an unbalanced revenue structure, where flying-related operations account for as much as 70 to 90 percent of total income, leaving little room for financial flexibility or investment in infrastructure. He stressed that this overdependence poses a threat to the viability of the aviation sector, especially in an era of fluctuating airline economics.
Jibodu cited the example of Munich Airport in Germany, which reportedly earns up to 50 percent of its revenue from non-aeronautical sources such as retail, hospitality, parking, and commercial real estate. He urged Nigerian airport managers to study and adopt similar models that prioritize commercial innovation, digital integration, and customer-centric infrastructure.
According to Jibodu, a major barrier to diversification lies in the outdated design of many Nigerian airport facilities. He explained that poor planning limits opportunities for expansion and adaptation, adding that many terminals lack the flexibility required to accommodate modern commercial needs and increasing passenger traffic.
He also emphasized that aviation plays a crucial role in trade facilitation and economic development, and as such, airport revenue planning must consider all stakeholders. Jibodu called for smarter, future-focused designs that support long-term growth, enhance passenger convenience, and offer new revenue opportunities.
Highlighting developments at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), he noted how digital technology is transforming operations. He revealed that recent upgrades now allow passengers to complete check-in within three minutes, thanks to seamless systems designed to improve efficiency and satisfaction.
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Jibodu introduced innovations like the electronic gate (e-gate) system, which enhances both security and passenger flow. He also mentioned infrastructure additions such as aviobridges that connect passengers directly to aircraft, significantly reducing delays and boarding times.
Concluding his presentation, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their continued efforts in revitalizing Nigeria’s aviation sector. He called for a national strategy that empowers airports to become hubs of commercial activity and innovation, not just gateways for air travel.
As Nigeria’s aviation landscape evolves, Jibodu’s message serves as a critical reminder that sustainable airport growth requires a shift from flight-only revenue models to more dynamic, diversified financial ecosystems.
