The civil aviation industry is the focus of the development strategies of most contemporary African countries and is of great strategic significance for maintaining the relationship between Africa and other countries in the world. Nigeria is the largest economy and the most populous country in Africa. Historically, Nigeria's civil aviation industry has experienced ups and downs, and has passed through five stages namely; The formation and initial development in the mid-20th century, The steady development and golden age of the country after independence, the low point of the civil aviation industry in the early stage of deregulation, and the prosperity after the recovery of the civil aviation industry in the early 21st century. The civil aviation industry faces many crises in the post-pandemic era. Therefore, this article explores in detail the development trajectory of Nigeria's civil aviation industry, which experienced two ups and downs. It also analyzes the main factors that led to its two declines, drawing some inspiration for China-Africa aviation cooperation.