Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that the federal government has officially dropped plans to establish a national airline. Speaking in Lagos, Keyamo explained that the government is now prioritizing efforts to strengthen existing local airlines and improve aviation infrastructure.
The minister revealed this while attending the public presentation of a book titled “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects,” authored by aviation journalist Wole Shadare. The event brought together aviation stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s progress in the aviation sector.
During his remarks, Keyamo expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the old international terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. He announced that plans are underway to tear down the aging structure and replace it with a modern facility. This move, he said, is part of a broader effort to modernize airport infrastructure across the country.
He also noted that under the Tinubu-led administration, new aviation policies have been introduced to assist local operators. These include a revised regulation concerning the insurance of leased aircraft, which is aimed at lowering operating costs and making airfares more affordable for Nigerians.
“We have shifted focus to ensure growth and development for local operators through our policies,” Keyamo stated.
He further noted that several steps had been taken to improve air traffic control services and minimize revenue leakages. In addition, nearly all international airlines operating in Nigeria have complied with a new directive to source in-flight catering services locally.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said that Nigeria currently has 39 certified airline operators and 31 airports, supported by a workforce of over 2,100 licensed pilots. According to her, the sector has added $1.7 billion to Nigeria’s gross domestic product.
Kuku noted that despite various challenges, such as outdated infrastructure and financing limitations, the aviation sector remains on a path of significant growth. She explained that the industry had undergone transformation, particularly since the early 2000s, with private airlines like Air Peace and Arik Air stepping in to revamp the sector after the collapse of Nigeria Airways.
“The private sector took the initiative, introducing fresh capital, contemporary management practices, and a competitive spirit,” she said. She added that these changes helped transform Nigeria into a major hub in Africa’s aviation space.
Wole Shadare, the author of the book, said the 25-chapter work provides a thorough history of the Nigerian aviation sector, capturing its milestones, setbacks, and potential. He believes the book will serve as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and aviation enthusiasts interested in the nation’s journey through the skies.
