National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Chukwuma Okoro*
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has expressed concerns about individuals obtaining licenses for private flights but engaging in commercial operations clandestinely and emphasized the government’s resolve to take stringent actions, including grounding planes and revoking licenses, to curb this practice, which he termed as economic sabotage.
In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Newsnight programme, Festus Keyamo (SAN), delved into critical issues affecting Nigeria’s aviation sector, including tackling illegal commercial flights, improving airline Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and enhancing human capital development.
Keyamo credited President Tinubu for his vision in appointing him to lead the aviation sector, highlighting the importance of interpreting international agreements, enforcing Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs), and supporting local operators. He stressed the need for diplomatic efforts and legal acumen in navigating aviation challenges.
He recognized the significance of local operators in the aviation ecosystem and outlined the government’s five-point agenda, focusing on safety, infrastructure improvement, supporting local operators, human capacity development, and revenue generation. The Minister underscored the role of policies in ensuring the survival and prosperity of local airlines while maintaining international standards.
Keyamo also discussed plans to enhance infrastructure, including Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) upgrades at airports, to improve customer experience and reduce operational costs for airlines. He highlighted efforts to attract Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities to Nigeria, aiming to reduce foreign currency dependence and enhance operational efficiency.
Addressing challenges such as excessive taxation on airlines, Keyamo revealed ongoing efforts to review taxes and charges to alleviate financial burdens on operators and passengers. He also addressed issues related to insurance policies for aircraft leases, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to resolve these complex issues.
Minister Keyamo’s interview provided insights into the government’s strategic approach to revamping Nigeria’s aviation sector, focusing on regulatory enforcement, infrastructure development, and supporting local operators. His stance on tackling illegal commercial flights and promoting industry growth reflects a comprehensive vision for ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
