The Federal Government has proposed a total allocation of N87.31bn for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, with a strong emphasis on capital expenditure aimed at infrastructure renewal across the sector.
Details of the budget proposal show that N70.19bn, representing over 80 per cent of the total allocation, is earmarked for capital projects. Personnel costs are pegged at N14.78bn, while N2.34bn is allocated for overhead expenses. The budget document made no provision for retained independent revenue, aid, or grant funding.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development received the highest allocation of N50.65bn. Of this amount, N48.55bn is dedicated to capital projects, while N1.35bn and N745.74m are allocated for personnel and overhead costs, respectively.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency was allocated N11.84bn, with personnel costs accounting for N9.15bn, overheads N393.73m, and capital expenditure N2.29bn. This breakdown reflects the agency’s labour-intensive nature.
Similarly, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, is expected to receive N11.28bn, made up of N4.28bn for personnel costs, N464.44m for overheads, and N6.54bn for capital projects.
The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency was allocated N6.3bn entirely for capital expenditure, with no provisions for personnel or overhead costs. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is also set to receive N7.24bn, comprising N6.51bn for capital projects and N734.09m for overheads.
The capital-heavy structure of the 2026 budget aligns with the position of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who has consistently maintained that infrastructure upgrades are critical to improving safety, efficiency, and service delivery in the aviation sector.
Why prioritize capital projects in aviation when basic infrastructure needs improvement? Lets rethink budget allocations for better impact.
I dont get why aviation gets so much funding while other sectors struggle. Shouldnt we spread the budget more evenly?
I dont understand why the aviation ministry gets so much money. Shouldnt other sectors be prioritized? Just a thought.
Is investing in aviation the best use of funds considering other pressing needs in Nigeria? Lets discuss!