Keyamo Appreciates President Tinubu For Contributions In Aviation Development. ..... Reels Out Achievements Of The Ministry, Warns On Illegal Charter Of Private Jets
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Festus Keyamo SAN |
"Nigeria's attempt to fully comply with the Cape Town Convention on dry-leasing of aircraft by preparing and signing the Practice Direction, the Aviation Working Group (Co-chaired by Boeing and Airbus) adjusted the global score/rating of Nigeria’s compliance status from 49.5% to 70.5%." Keyamo.
..... Says the Ministry will roll out measures to curb the illegal charter of private Jets and the activities they engage in.
Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment in the development of the Aviation Industry.
While speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing series organized by Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, 13th March, 2025 at the National Press Centre, the Minister said; "I want to thank Mr President for the unusual attention he is paying to the Aviation sector".
Festus Keyamo who stated that, "You cannot promote free trade within African Countries without Aviation", announced some of the significant achievements in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He revealed strategic collaborations and policy reforms which is enhancing the sector’s global competitiveness.
The Minister, while speaking on the illegal charter of private Jets, revealed that the 7-Member Committee on Illegal Chartered Operations and Related Matters reports is proposing a total shutdown of the private charter wing of the airport as parts of recommendations to tackle the issue.
He disclosed that the Ministry will roll out measures to curb the illegal charter of private Jets and the activities they engage in.
According to him, "When we roll out these measures, please nobody should complain, we are going to run jingles to create awareness on this.
He warned that, "Don't go to the Airports to take a private jet without first seeing the manifest of those Jets that are licensed to carry passengers, if anything happens to you, we will not be held responsible.
"Those Towers will not clear you to fly unless the pilot fills in a manifest of those people on the aircraft".
The Minister also disclosed that, with recent engagement with Boeing Airline, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed, paving way for the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.
According to Keyamo, this development is expected to boost the nation’s aviation maintenance capacity, reduce operational costs for airlines, and create employment opportunities for local aviation professionals and the Nigeria youths.
He noted that, “Also, following some of the agreements with Boeing, Boeing and Cranfield University, a specialist postgraduate university in the UK have started to implement trainings with domestic airlines. This is to fortify safety culture and operational excellence as agreed in the Seattle MOU.”
Keyamo further disclosed that Nigeria's attempt to fully comply with the Cape Town Convention on dry-leasing of aircraft by preparing and signing the Practice Direction, the Aviation Working Group (Co-chaired by Boeing and Airbus) adjusted the global score/rating of Nigeria’s compliance status from 49.5% to 70.5% while the signing of the Administrative Rules governing aircraft repossession by creditors and lessors, known as the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA), within 24 hours, increased Nigeria's score on (CTC) index from 70.5% to 75.5%.
He expressed government’s vision to expand and improve aviation infrastructure, as he disclosed that, the Borno Airport has been upgraded to a full-fledged international airport, enhancing connectivity and economic development in the north-eastern region of Nigeria. Similarly, through a Public-Private Partnership, and with inter-agency cooperation with the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Arrival Hall at Lagos International Airport's Wing E, has been remodeled resulting in a state-of-the-art facility that elevates passenger experience.
He revealed that the Ministry is set to push the Fly Nigeria Act to the National Assembly, stating that this legislation, once passed, will prioritize Nigerian airlines for government-sponsored air travel, thereby boosting the local aviation industry and ensuring sustainability for indigenous carriers which is in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Also while addressing the audience at the press briefing, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and accountability to Nigerians.
He emphasized that the Ministerial Press Briefing Series is a platform designed to promote public engagement and ensure that citizens are well-informed about government policies, initiatives, and reforms.
According to him, “Since the launch of the 2025 edition, five Honourable Ministers have taken the stage to present their scorecards, reflecting the administration’s unwavering commitment to good governance’’.
He highlighted the ongoing economic reforms, as he also, reassured Nigerians that the government's transformative policies are beginning to yield positive results.
The Minister who acknowledged that there was initial difficulties associated with the reforms, stated that Nigeria is on the path to stability and prosperity.
He cited notable improvements such as the reduction in food prices, stability in exchange rates, and a gradual decline in the cost of petroleum products.
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