Keyamo Highlights Aviation Sector Progress in Mid-Term Review, Commits to Continued Reforms

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s aviation industry under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking during a live mid-term review on TVC, Keyamo delivered a candid appraisal of the aviation sector, outlining its achievements, ongoing challenges, and overall performance over the past two years to stakeholders and the general public.

Laying a New Foundation

The Minister acknowledged the difficult circumstances the administration inherited in 2023, including deteriorating airport infrastructure, regulatory inefficiencies, and high operational costs driven by foreign exchange instability. Despite these hurdles, he maintained that the aviation sector is on a trajectory of recovery and reform.

“We have begun laying a new foundation—firm, inclusive, and modern—that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and innovation,” Keyamo said.

Key Achievements

Among the achievements highlighted were:

• Airport Modernization Projects: Rehabilitation works at major airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt are progressing, with upgrades to terminals, runway lighting, and ground handling infrastructure.
• Institutional Reforms: The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have undergone restructuring to streamline operations and improve regulatory oversight.
• Insurance and Leasing Policy Reforms: The Ministry has collaborated with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Ministry of Finance to make aircraft insurance more accessible locally and promote domestic leasing frameworks for airlines.
• Nigeria Air Project Reassessment: On the controversial Nigeria Air project, Keyamo disclosed that the current administration halted its rollout to ensure transparency and accountability in its execution.

“We inherited a project shrouded in secrecy. We paused it to sanitize the process. Going forward, a transparent public-private partnership model will be adopted,” he stated.

• Upgrades to Air Navigation Systems: The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has begun deploying next-generation air navigation equipment to improve airspace safety and surveillance.

Stakeholder Reactions

Participants in the televised session commended the Minister’s openness and progress made so far. Capt. A veteran aviation professional, praised the administration’s “renewed sense of professionalism” in handling the sector. expert in the Aviation Roundtable Initiative, applauded the government’s efforts but urged a faster pace in executing key reforms.

Persistent Challenges

Keyamo acknowledged several unresolved issues, notably:

• Forex Shortages: The dollar-dependent nature of aviation operations continues to pose difficulties for airlines.
• Jet-A1 Fuel Costs: The Minister said talks are ongoing with the Ministry of Petroleum and private refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, to ease supply constraints and reduce costs.
• Airport Security: He confirmed that perimeter fencing and surveillance projects are being implemented at vulnerable regional airports to improve safety.

Looking Ahead

Keyamo outlined the Ministry’s priorities for the remainder of the administration, which include:

• Achieving full ICAO Category 1 certification for major airports.
• Implementing the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to boost regional connectivity.
• Advancing concession plans for select airports through transparent bidding processes.
• Strengthening drone regulations to support emerging industries.

“To Nigerians, I say this: aviation is not just about flights—it’s about growth, jobs, safety, and pride,” Keyamo concluded. “With your support and our team’s commitment, we will land this plane on the runway of transformation.”

The mid-term review offered a rare, detailed insight into the workings of the Ministry and set the tone for the next phase of policy implementation, as Nigeria positions its aviation sector for regional competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

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