FG Channels N87.31bn Aviation Budget Into Infrastructure Push
The Federal Government has prioritised infrastructure development in the aviation sector, proposing a total allocation of ₦87.31 billion for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
Budget details show a heavy tilt towards capital expenditure, with ₦70.19 billion—over 80 per cent of the total allocation—earmarked for capital projects, while ₦14.78 billion is allocated for personnel costs and ₦2.34 billion for overheads. The proposal contains no provision for retained independent revenue, aid, or grant funding.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development received the largest share of the allocation at ₦50.65 billion, with ₦48.55 billion set aside for capital projects. Personnel costs were pegged at ₦1.35 billion, while overheads stood at ₦745.74 million.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) was allocated ₦11.84 billion, reflecting its labour-intensive operations. Of this amount, ₦9.15 billion is for personnel costs, ₦393.73 million for overheads, and ₦2.29 billion for capital expenditure.
Similarly, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, is expected to receive ₦11.28 billion, broken down into ₦4.28 billion for personnel, ₦464.44 million for overheads, and ₦6.54 billion for capital projects.
The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) was allocated ₦6.3 billion, entirely for capital expenditure, with no provision for personnel or overhead costs.
Likewise, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is to receive ₦7.24 billion, comprising ₦6.51 billion for capital projects and ₦734.09 million for overheads, also without personnel cost allocation.
The strong emphasis on capital spending aligns with the position of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who has repeatedly stressed that infrastructure renewal is critical to improving aviation safety, operational efficiency and service delivery across the sector.
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On January 22, 2025, the ministry presented its budget performance to the Joint National Assembly Committee on Aviation and Aviation Technology, where the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He disclosed that in the previous fiscal year, capital expenditure recorded a utilisation rate of 30.9 per cent, while personnel costs achieved 100 per cent utilisation and overhead expenditure reached 99.97 per cent.
According to the minister, the capital-heavy budget structure is designed to accelerate infrastructure upgrades, strengthen regulatory oversight, and position Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace sectors for sustainable growth.