Patriotism Can’t Fly a Plane — Keyamo Backs Efficiency Over Symbolism in Aviation Policy

The Federal Government has abandoned plans to fund the establishment of a national carrier, opting instead to implement policies that will enhance the capacity and competitiveness of local airlines.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the disclosure on Friday during a stakeholder engagement, stating that the era of government investing in national airline projects is over.

“The Federal Government will not invest a dime in establishing a National Carrier,” Keyamo said. “However, we remain open to receiving proposals from private or public entities—whether local or foreign—that will genuinely benefit Nigeria and Nigerians in setting up a national airline.”

The minister’s remarks mark a significant policy shift from previous administrations’ attempts to revive a government-owned carrier, most recently the controversial Nigeria Air project, which drew criticism over its opacity and lack of operational structure.

Keyamo emphasized that the government’s new strategy is to create a more enabling environment for private airlines to thrive and compete globally. According to him, policies will be rolled out to enhance operational efficiency, eliminate bottlenecks, and improve the competitiveness of indigenous airlines.

This move, industry analysts say, aligns with global trends where governments are increasingly stepping away from direct ownership in the aviation sector. Instead, they focus on regulatory oversight and creating business-friendly environments for private investors.

Stakeholders in the sector have reacted positively to the development, calling it a pragmatic step toward sustainable growth. They believe that with the right policy support—including access to funding, equitable slot allocation, and bilateral air service agreement reviews—Nigerian carriers can rise to become significant players on international routes.

Keyamo’s position also signals a departure from what many have described as symbolic but economically unviable efforts to revive a national airline. Instead, the emphasis is now on policies that prioritize sustainability, competition, and transparency.

As the government moves forward with this policy direction, the industry awaits the details of the proposed reforms, hopeful that this fresh approach will finally unlock Nigeria’s aviation potential.

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