Ibom Air CEO Challenges Nigerian Airport Development Approach
George Uriesi, Managing Director/CEO of Ibom Air, has issued a strong call for a more strategic and professional approach to airport development in Nigeria. Speaking at the 10th Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) in Lagos, Uriesi challenged the prevailing notion that public-private partnerships (PPPs) are the sole solution for airport infrastructure advancement.
Drawing on his extensive experience, including his tenure with the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), Uriesi emphasized that successful airports thrive under diverse ownership models, citing examples from Dubai and Singapore’s government-owned hubs to fully privatized entities like the British Airports Authority.
“The key isn’t the model itself, but its implementation,” Uriesi stated. “Professionalism, planning, and a commitment to success are paramount. If PPP is the chosen path, transparency and proper execution are essential. Predetermined outcomes disguised as PPPs only lead to failure.”
Uriesi criticized the lack of master planning in past and ongoing Nigerian airport projects, resulting in fragmented layouts and inefficient investments. He stressed the importance of a global best-practice approach, emphasizing long-term vision, strategic design based on projected traffic, and realistic revenue expectations.
“Building terminals kilometers away from existing infrastructure without proper connectivity is a common pitfall,” he noted. “Such errors stem from poor planning and political interference. Correcting these mistakes incurs further costs. A well-defined master plan is the foundation of every successful airport.”
Uriesi highlighted Lomé Airport’s transformation as a positive example of visionary planning and strategic partnerships turning a modest facility into a regional hub. He also commended Bi-Courtney Aviation Services at MMA2 in Lagos and the Asaba Airport for demonstrating the effectiveness of a commercial mindset in airport management.
He directly addressed the issue of government interference in airport planning, stating, “Ministries making technical decisions that contradict expert advice from airport custodians lead to dysfunctional infrastructure. This is how terminals end up in the wrong locations, lacking essential support systems.”
Uriesi praised the Delta State Government’s decision to entrust Asaba Airport’s management to professionals, transforming it from a “cash cow” into a thriving commercial platform. He also expressed concern over the 27% decline in Nigeria’s domestic air traffic as of mid-June 2025 compared to the previous year.
“This decline impacts the entire aviation ecosystem,” Uriesi warned. “Airlines, ground handlers, concessionaires—everyone relies on passenger traffic. Building viable airport businesses, not just physical structures, is crucial for the industry’s survival.”
Uriesi’s message resonated with industry stakeholders at the summit. His call for professionalism, strategic planning, and a commercially driven approach to airport development underscores the need for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s aviation sector. His insights, backed by global best practices and local success stories, offer a roadmap for creating sustainable and thriving airports that contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The 27% drop in domestic air traffic, coupled with rising costs and a weakened Naira, paints a challenging picture for Nigerian aviation. Uriesi’s emphasis on building commercially viable airport businesses, not just physical infrastructure, highlights the need for a more strategic and sustainable approach. The estimated \$432 million loss in revenue across the aviation ecosystem underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges.
Lomé Airport’s success story, driven by strategic investment and a focus on regional connectivity, offers a compelling model for Nigerian airports. Similarly, the efficient operations and commercial viability of MMA2 in Lagos demonstrate the potential of PPPs when implemented transparently and professionally. The turnaround of Asaba Airport further reinforces the importance of professional management in achieving commercial success.
Uriesi’s critique of ad-hoc infrastructure decisions and political interference resonates deeply within the industry. His call for a master plan-driven approach, grounded in long-term vision and commercial viability, provides a clear path forward. By prioritizing professionalism over politics, Nigerian airports can unlock their full potential and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development.
