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Details Of The Aviation Ministers Giant Strides
Have you been to the Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos of late? Have you noticed the ongoing massive reconstruction there?
If you haven’t lets quickly tell you that the airport has become a big construction site. The entire airport is undergoing an infrastructural upgrade. The old terminal which hits you as you drive into the international airport is being reconstructed.
That is not all. A lot is happening in the entire Aviation sector, as Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN) is doing a lot to give all our airports across the country, a facelift. In the last 3 years he has totally revamped that sector. He has totally transformed what he met and he has turned around the Aviation sector for good.
City People visited the Airport last Friday and saw the massive construction work going on there. In the last 3 years, the Minister has made a lot of Giant strides which has not been acknowledged in the Media. He attributes all the successes recorded so far to Pres. Tinubu who made the funds available. So impressive is what the Minister has been able to do so far that he is now widely regarded as one of the most performing Ministers in Pres. Tinubu’s cabinet.
Lets tell you about Festus Keyamo’s success story. It dates back to 2023. How?
When he assumed office in August 2023, he unveiled a clear and ambitious 5-point agenda—a strategic roadmap designed to reposition Nigeria’s Aviation sector for global competitiveness and national prosperity.
At the forefront of his vision was an uncompromising emphasis on Safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring that Nigeria not only met but consistently exceeded international benchmarks, particularly those set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Recognising that safety is the heartbeat of aviation, he sought to elevate Nigeria’s global standing through strict oversight and continuous improvements.
Equally critical was his commitment to supporting local airline operators, fostering an environment where indigenous carriers could thrive. While extending a hand of support, he also insisted on adherence to world-class standards, balancing encouragement with accountability to ensure Nigerian airlines earned their place on the international stage.
The Minister also prioritized the revitalization of infrastructure—from runways to terminals—knowing that modern, efficient, and safe facilities are non-negotiable in a sector that connects nations and drives economies.
Keenly aware that systems are only as strong as the people behind them, the Minister laid emphasis on human capacity development, seeking to nurture a new generation of skilled aviation professionals through training, retraining, and knowledge exchange.
Lastly, he committed to optimizing revenue generation for the federal government by plugging leakages, enhancing transparency, and leveraging innovation to make every naira count.
Together, these 5 pillars have become the foundation upon which a new era in Nigerian aviation is being built—an era defined by integrity, excellence, and vision. Here are some of his key milestones so far.
Clearing Foreign Airlines’ Trapped Funds Collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Minister resolved the longstanding issue of trapped funds, significantly boosting foreign airlines’ confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
THE VISIT TO AIRBUS IN TOULOUSE, FRANCE
One of the very first trips the Honourable Minister undertook was a visit to Airbus in Toulouse, France. The visit tagged the Nigeria-France Bilateral Business Forum was aimed at strengthening cooperation and explore business opportunities in the aviation sector between both nations.
THE MINISTER SIGNS MOU WITH BOEING TO ENHANCE AIRCRAFT ACQUISITION
The Minister, accompanied by a delegation of major airline operators, led a high-level visit to Boeing’s headquarters in Seattle, USA, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing aircraft acquisition, safety practices, and other critical aspects of the aviation industry.
The visit was initiated in response to an invitation from Boeing, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigerian airline operators.
Signing Of CTC And Announcement of Nigeria Score From 49.5 to 70.5 percent By The AWG
In a swift response to Nigeria’s attempt to fully comply with the Cape Town Convention on dry-leasing of aircraft, the Honourable Minister worked tirelessly to prepare and signed the Practice Direction. This enhanced compliance has addressed a longstanding challenge in the aviation sector: the difficulty airlines face in acquiring modern fleets due to high leasing costs the Aviation Based on this, the Aviation Working Group (Co-chaired by Boeing and Airbus) adjusted the global score/rating of Nigeria on our compliance status from 49.5 to 70.5.
NIGERIA’S SCORES AGAIN AFTER IDERA
Following the signing of the Administrative Rules governing aircraft repossession by creditors and lessors, known as the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA), under the HMA’s leadership, Nigeria’s global aviation compliance score saw a significant improvement. 24 hours after the signing of IDERA, The Aviation Working Group (AWG) announced that Nigeria’s score on the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Compliance Index has been increased from 70.5% to 75.5%, placing the country in the ‘high category.’ This development marks Nigeria’s official removal from the AWG’s watchlist of non-compliant countries.
BOEING’S DOMESTIC AIRLINE TRAININGS
As a result of these global compliance milestones, and according to some of the agreements with Boeing to enhance operational efficiency and help position Nigerian airlines for growth in the global aviation market, Boeing, and Cranfield University, a specialist postgraduate university in the UK have started to implement trainings with our domestic airlines, this is to fortify safety culture and operational excellence as agreed in the Seattle MOU.
Working under the aegis of Boeing Global Learning Institute (BGLI), and themed: Advanced Leadership in Safety Excellence, the leading global aerospace company recently brought together Nigeria Airline Executives, postholders and management of various departments of domestic airline in a five-day in-person classroom training, aimed at improving their safety leadership skills.
ANOTHER BOEING INVITATION FOR DRY-LEASING CONFERENCE IN DUBLIN
Boeing again invited the HMA, Festus Keyamo, to Dublin, Republic of Ireland for the Airline Economics Conference which held from January 12 through 15, 2025.
Nigeria was the toast of the whole leasing world as the Minister led the delegation of Aviation stakeholders who also banked on the opportunities of the conference to meet global leasing companies, thereby fostering the ministry’s plan to ensure successful dry leasing arrangement for Nigerian airlines.
RESUMPTION OF EMIRATES FLIGHTS
The Minister’s diplomatic efforts culminated in the resumption of Emirates flights to Nigeria on October 2nd, 2024, strengthening ties between the two nations. The Minister’s strategic meeting with Emirates Executives, after the return flight also facilitated Codesharing Agreement with local airlines. As a result, Emirates has started negotiations on Codesharing with some of our local operators.
INCREASED COMPETITION ON UK-NIGERIA ROUTES
Through a sustained diplomatic efforts with his counterpart in the UK, the Minister was able to negotiate reciprocity with the UK government, a landmark achievement that has seen one of Nigeria’s flag carriers, Air Peace landing in Gatwick and Heathrow Airports thereby fostering competition and reducing airfares.
OPERATIONALIZATION OF LAGOS NEW INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL
The Minister mandated the relocation of all international airlines to the new terminal at Lagos International Airport, addressing design flaws and ensuring the terminal’s functionality within one month of his tenure.
Modernization of Lagos Airport Arrival Hall Through a Public-Private Partnership, the Minister expedited the remodeling of the Arrival Hall at Lagos International Airport’s Wing E, resulting in a state-of-the-art facility that elevates passenger experience.
United States-Nigeria Open Skies Agreement The Minister facilitated the implementation of this agreement, opening new opportunities for local airlines to operate on the Nigeria-U.S. route and enhancing bilateral trade.
CURBING ILLEGAL PRIVATE CHARTER OPERATIONS
The Minister inaugurated a task force to address illegal private charter operations, demonstrating his commitment to sectoral reforms. The Task Force is on the verge of submitting the reports of its findings for the Minister’s further input.
AFRICAN AVIATION AND AEROSPACE UNIVERSITY TAKES-OFF
The HMA achieved a significant milestone by ensuring the successful commencement of lectures at the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU). The institution, which marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s quest for excellence in aviation and aerospace education, welcomed its first cohort of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The first set of students will pursue a variety of programs designed to meet global standards, ranging from engineering to management and policy in aviation and aerospace.
DIRECTIVE ON INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES TO PATRONIZE LOCAL CATERERS
The HMA, in a bid to support local businesses and boost Nigeria’s economy gave a directive to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) requiring international airlines to use local caterers for onboard meals starting January 1, 2025.
COMMISSIONING OF E-GATES IN LAGOS
To enhance passenger facilitation and security, the Minister commissioned newly installed E-gates at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Fly Nigeria Act Initiative The Minister initiated the Fly Nigeria Act to mandate prioritization of Nigerian flag carriers for government-funded travel, a bold move to support local airlines and stimulate economic growth. He described the Fly Nigeria Act as a bold initiative to support the country’s aviation industry, which he referred to as a ‘Vital Pillar of the Nigerian economy’.
BASA ROUTES
Under the Nigeria’s Aviation Minister’s leadership, Nigeria is actively diversifying its air connectivity by opening new BASA routes to Algeria & Cameroon, Brazil, Expanded UAE, and exploring ties with Namibia. The country also signed a BASA agreement with Canada specifically covering code-sharing agreements. These initiatives aim to boost regional and global access, enhance trade, investment, and tourism exchanges and strengthen the operational reach of Nigerian carriers.
NEW REGIONAL AIR ROUTES
Concluded plans with the Algerian Ambassador to open the Algeria-Nigeria-Cameroon route, enhancing regional connectivity.
TASK FORCE ON ILLEGAL PRIVATE CHARTER OPERATIONS
Established a ministerial task force to address illegal private charter operations, which had caused N120 billion in revenue losses. The task force’s recommendations, led by Capt. Ado Sanusi, are expected to boost federal revenue upon implementation.
FLAG-OFF THE NEW ERA OF INSURANCE REGULATIONS
Hon. Minister recently flagged off the revised insurance regulations expected to boost boost the aviation sector, improve irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorization, allow local operators to cede up to 90% of risk to international markets under certain conditions, in line with the Cape Town Convention.
The policy is expected to enhance Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), promote stability in the aviation insurance market, and reduce the cost of air tickets.
Automated Immigration Process
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development through the able leadership of the Hon. Minister collaborated with the ministry of Interior to enhance easy entry and exit through automated immigration process. E-Visa System: Foreigners can now apply for short stay visas (30- 90) days online and receive approval within 48hrs and automated landing and exit cards: Non-Nigerians and dual citizens must complete their entry or departure cards online 72hrs before travel.
NIGERIA-BRAZIL DIRECT FLIGHT
Nigeria and Brazil have formally signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), paving the way for direct flights between the two countries and marking a significant milestone in both aviation and diplomatic relations. One of Nigeria’s flag carriers, Airpeace has been designated for the Nigeria-Brazil routes.
The signing ceremony was led by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN, and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, in the presence of both presidents.
DRY-LEASED BOEING 737-700 AIRCRAFT
The Honourable Minister achieved another milestone when Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, took the delivery of a dry-leased Boeing 737-700 NG from AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company — marking Nigeria’s first dry lease in nearly a decade and reinforcing global confidence in the nation’s aviation sector
UPGRADE OF MAIDUGURI AND UYO AIRPORTS TO INTERNATIONAL STATUSES
In the quest to further revamp the aviation industry in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development approved the upgrade of the Muhammadu Buhari airport, Maiduguri and the Victor Attah Airport, Uyo to international statuses.
HOSTING OF NIGERIA’S FIRST-EVER INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
For the first time in Nigeria, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Festus Keyamo, the nation hosted an Airshow of global standard. The event which was well attended by international aviators featured daily exhibitions, stakeholder seminars, business exchanges, and special aerial displays by the Nigerian Air Force.
CONCESSION OF THE ENUGU AIRPORT
The concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, which the Honourable Minister signed recently is part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation sector reform agenda aimed at attracting private investment, improving infrastructure, boosting regional connectivity, and strengthening Nigeria’s aviation competitiveness.
STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT IN GLOBAL AVIATION FINANCE
The Minister recently led a high-level delegation of Airline CEOs, and stakeholders to an international lessors’ forum- the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, as part of efforts to deepen international partnerships in aviation financing and fleet renewal.
FAAN’S DUAL ISO CERTIFICATION
Under the able supervision of the Honourable Minister, Festus Keyamo SAN, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) recently attained two internationally recognised certifications: ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System). The certifications were awarded by MSECB, Canada, following a comprehensive and independent audit of FAAN’s systems and operations.
This achievement confirms that FAAN’s operational processes meet global standards for quality management, environmental responsibility, and continual improvement.
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS/STATUS OF THE VICTOR ATTAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, UYO
The Honourable Minister, Festus Keyamo SAN did not just approve the operational upgrade of the Victor Attah International Airport to an international status, he also personally inspect all paraphernalia of safety installations, and led top dignitaries and captains of industry for the inaugural international flights from the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo to the Kotoka International Airport, Ghana.
APPROVAL OF NIGERIA’S CIVIL AVIATION MASTERPLAN-CAMP
As part of his 5-point agenda of improving the Nigeria’s aviation industry, the Honourable Minister approved the development of the Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Masterplan and the certified true copy of the Civil Aviation Masterplan-CAMP was presented to him recently by the International Civil Aviation Organisation-ICAO during the last session of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium in Marrakech, Morocco.
NIGERIA SCORES 91.4% IN ICAO SAFETY AUDIT
The nation added yet another feather to its safety oversight by scoring 91.4% during ICAO’s recent safety audit, a feat no African country has reached. This was celebrated at the IATA Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi commended Nigeria for the remarkable progress in aviation safety, describing the country as a model of purposeful leadership and reforms within Africa’s aviation space.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S/BI-COURTENY’S DECADES LONG CONCESSION BOTTLENECKS
The Honourable Minister was able to successfully broker a historic settlement between the Federal Government and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, bringing to a close, a protracted dispute, of almost two decades, surrounding the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2. Under the terms of the negotiated settlement, Bi-Courtney relinquished the exclusivity clause tied to the MM2 concession, handed back the MM1 Terminal to the Federal Government and also wrote-off the N132billion Supreme Court judgment debt previously owed by the Federal Government.
ESTABLISHMENT OF NIGERIAN AIRCRAFT LEASING COMPANY
Under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, the establishment of an Aircraft Leasing Company has been given an express approval by the Federal Executive Council marking a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the nation’s aviation sector. The Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company is a private-sector-led Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), backed by the Federal Government, designed to provide sustainable and structured access to aircraft for domestic and regional airline operators.
NIGERIA SIGNS LANDMARK MOU WITH AIRBUS TO BOOST AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT
The Honourable Minister led a high-level delegation of Airline CEOs, agency heads and aviation stakeholders to Airbus recently where an MoU was signed to boost Nigeria’s Aerospace Development. Under the terms of the MoU, Airbus and the Federal Government of Nigeria will collaborate to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s civil aviation ecosystem through targeted support in aviation infrastructure development and human capital enhancement.
AFDB APPOINTS HONOURABLE MINISTER AS AFRICAN CHAMPION IN ITS $7B INTEGRATED AVIATION TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME FOR AFRICA (IATP)
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN was, early this year, appointed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as the African Champion for its $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP). The appointment aims to leverage his leadership to accelerate the modernization of Africa’s aviation in infrastructure and enhance regional connectivity. A Letter of Intent for the initiative was signed in Brazzaville, Congo, on May 28, 2026. The IATP focuses on mobilizing significant capital to foster sustainable economic growth through improved air transport.
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