Nigeria’s aviation industry has long been a subject of debate regarding its impact on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Over the past decade, the sector’s official contribution has remained relatively modest when measured against the performance of other key industries, despite its vital role in connectivity, trade and economic growth.
Daily Sun’s analysis from data compiled from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) from 2013 to 2023 shows that the contribution of the sector to the nation’s GDP is over N1.3 trillion and within this time frame has hovered below 0.5 per cent.
It is, however, important to note that the aviation sector plays a pivotal role in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which has continued to grow steadily over the years.
FDIs are essential drivers of economic expansion, and a strong, efficient air transport system often determines the volume and ease of investment inflows into any country.
This highlights the fact that the significance of Nigeria’s aviation sector extends well beyond its direct contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
