Nigeria’s aviation industry has grown from humble beginnings in small hangars to modern terminals buzzing with passengers, evolving into a critical driver of the nation’s economic and infrastructural development.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that Nigeria’s air transport industry adds $2.5 billion annually to GDP and sustains roughly 217,000 jobs, highlighting its role as a major employment and growth engine.
Today, Nigeria is home to 10 domestic passenger airlines. Its skies tell a story of ambition and innovation, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit that has long shaped the country’s business landscape.
The domestic airline seat capacity rose by six per cent year-on-year, increasing from 642,717 seats in October 2024 to 681,204 seats in October 2025, making Nigeria Africa’s second-largest domestic aviation market, just behind South Africa.
For decades, Nigeria’s aviation landscape has been shaped not only by pilots and cabin crews. Behind the statistics and busy airports are the visionaries who invest heavily to keep the industry moving. Entrepreneurs and promoters who build fleets, open new routes, and design customer experiences that push local airlines onto the global stage.
Here are the founders of 10 leading Nigerian passenger airlines:
Ibom Air, established in 2019, is wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government. The airline was created under the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
At the helm is George Uriesi, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, whose 34-year career in aviation spans airline operations, airport management, and both safety and economic regulation.
Uriesi began his journey as a Flight Dispatcher with ADC Airlines in Nigeria and later worked across Africa in key leadership roles, including General Manager of Cape Town International Airport, General Manager of Aviation Safety Promotion at the South African Civil Aviation Authority, and Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
He has also served on industry boards internationally, such as the International Air Services Council of South Africa, the Economic Regulating Committee for Airports and Air Traffic Control of South Africa, and as Chairman of Cape Town Routes Unlimited. His work in these roles reflects deep expertise in strategic aviation management and industry regulation.
A recipient of Nigeria’s National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM), Uriesi holds a BA (Hons) from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, and multiple executive and professional certifications from institutions including the University of Southern California, Concordia University, Canfield University, the University of Cape Town Business School, and the Singapore Aviation Academy.
Uriesi played a pivotal role in Ibom Air’s creation, contributing to its business plan and operational foundations. Before assuming his current role as Acting MD/CEO, he served as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, guiding the airline through its formative years.
The airline’s board includes seasoned professionals such as Chairman Mfon Udom, aviation veteran; Dr. Emmanuel E. Ekuwem, engineering and ICT expert; Uko Udom, SAN, legal and aviation law specialist; and Hon. Emem Almond Bob, Commissioner for Finance.
