“The Japa Syndrome” driving a younger, global-minded traveller in Nigeria: Ekelem Airhihen interview
Posted: 10 October 2023 | Ekelem Airhihen, Holly Miles | No comments yet
Watch this exclusive interview with the Assistant General Manager for Planning at Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
In this exclusive interview with Ekelem Airhihen, Assistant General Manager for Planning at Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, we spoke about the recovery of Nigerian airports, “Japa Syndrome”, which according to Ekelem is driving a younger, more globally-minded traveller, the huge growth in travel that is predicted over the next few years and how they will manage that, plus the Single African Transport Market and how it is expected to change African aviation.
“The Economist talked about the ‘Japa syndrome’ in Nigeria, which is about the Yoruba term for ‘migration’. What has happened is that the personas of our travellers have shifted more towards young professionals who are globally-minded and then we also having them travel with their family. So we’re having a tilt in passenger personas towards that”
Ekelem is speaking at the International Airport Summit 2023 in London so be sure to book now to avoid missing out on listening to Ekelem’s thought leadership in-person and having the opportunity to ask him questions!
BOOK YOUR SPACE AT THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SUMMIT NOW!
BIOGRAPHY
Ekelem Airhihen has MBA from the Lagos Business School, Nigeria. He is a Chartered Accountant, Certified Finance and IT Consultant and Airport Customer Experience Specialist. Attended training on Doing Business in a Globalised World at IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain and with London Business School ( Wheeler Institute) on African Economic History. He is also an accredited mediator.
Worked in committees of ICAN and functioned in ICAN faculty boards, Member Airport Non-aeronautical Revenue Activities of Airports Council International and aviation infrastructure policy commission of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
He has Certificate in Public Leadership and Policy from The School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Abuja; has had several trainings by Airports Council International, and is a member Nigerian Institute for Training and Development.
He is Assistant General Manager, Planning, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria with interests in strategy, policy, market research and business and data analytics, mediation and process improvement.
Are you ready to meet the expectations of Gen Z travellers? Join our virtual panel to discover how airports can engage the next generation of passengers.
16 Oct 2025 | 14:00 PM BST | FREE Virtual Panel Discussion
Join us for this interactive session where industry leaders will explore how airports are adapting to the needs and values of Gen Z, the first truly digital-native, socially conscious, and tech-savvy generation.
What You’ll Learn:
- What drives Gen Z travel decisions, and how to respond
- How to harness digital tools, social media, and mobile-first strategies
- How sustainability, inclusivity, and personalised experiences shape Gen Z’s airport expectations
- Real-world examples from leading airports that are successfully engaging younger travellers
Don’t miss your chance to learn from the airports leading this change – Register Now – It’s Free!
Related topics
Capacity, Data, International Airport Summit, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Passenger volumes, Regulation and Legislation, Safety, Security
Chief Executive Officer
CEO
Chief Operating Officer
Head of Operations, Safety and Emergency
Chief Strategy Development Officer
Head of Operations
Airport General Manager
CEO
Chief Executive Officer