LAGOS — Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that the Federal Government has dropped the idea of a national carrier, turning its attention instead to policies that will drive the growth of domestic airlines.
Speaking at the launch of “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects”, authored by Wole Shadare, Aviation Editor at New Telegraph Newspapers, Keyamo expressed dismay over the state of the old terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), revealing that plans were underway to demolish and rebuild the facility.
Keyamo emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to creating a more enabling environment for local carriers, citing recent regulatory reforms such as the revised insurance policy for leased aircraft. He said this move would make planes more accessible and help lower airfares on domestic routes.
“We have shifted focus to ensure growth and development for local operators through our policies,” Keyamo stated. He also noted that air traffic personnel were being trained and retrained, and that revenue leakages were being plugged to boost industry earnings. Additionally, the minister disclosed that nearly all foreign airlines had begun patronizing local caterers for in-flight services, following his directive.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, revealed that Nigeria now boasts 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports, and over 2,100 licensed pilots — signs of steady growth in the aviation sector.
Kuku said the industry contributed $1.7 billion to the nation’s GDP, with private airlines efficiently connecting cities and international carriers viewing Nigeria as a key market. She acknowledged lingering challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and funding issues, but expressed optimism about the sector’s future.
Reflecting on the industry’s journey since independence in 1960, Kuku noted how private airlines like Air Peace and Arik Air stepped up following the decline of Nigeria Airways, introducing innovation and competition that reshaped the aviation landscape.
The book’s author, Wole Shadare, described his 25-chapter publication as a thorough chronicle of Nigeria’s aviation journey, aimed at guiding scholars and researchers in understanding its evolution and future prospects.
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