The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has defended the decision of the federal government to discontinue the Nigeria Air project, asserting that Nigeria will not relinquish control of its aviation sector to foreign interests.
The minister articulated this stance during an appearance on Frontline, a public affairs program aired by a private radio station, Eagle 102.5 FM, situated in Ilese Ijebu, Ogun State.
While speaking on the broadcast, which was monitored by THISDAY, Keyamo pointed out that the former Nigeria Air model risked harming domestic airlines and undermining the country’s sustainable aviation autonomy.
He stated, “We cannot hand over our entire aviation system to another African country and then kill all our local operators.
“The better approach is to support and strengthen local airlines to compete globally.”
Keyamo cautioned that the Nigeria Air framework resembled practices in several African nations where foreign airlines overshadow local carriers, often directing operations while utilizing local branding.
He underscored that such dependencies could lead to total reliance on international operators, warning that if dominant foreign partners were to withdraw, it could result in the collapse of national aviation infrastructures.
According to him, considering Nigeria's extensive size and market potential, adopting a foreign-dominated model is not advisable.
Instead of pursuing a foreign-affiliated national carrier, the focus will be on nurturing the growth of homegrown operators.
Keyamo highlighted significant challenges faced by Nigerian airlines, including limited access to credit facilities and aircraft leasing options.
“The problem is clear—our local operators lack the same financing and leasing opportunities available to major international airlines,” he explained.
He further mentioned that ongoing reforms aim to improve funding accessibility and restore global confidence in Nigeria's aviation industry.
The minister also revealed that engagements with major global manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing are in progress, which aims to create better financing opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
He noted that these discussions are already attracting international interest in Nigeria's aviation sector.
Currently, there is an estimated shortfall of about 200 aircraft in Nigeria, which hinders the expansion of routes and contributes to delays and cancellations.
Keyamo believes that addressing this deficit will enhance service delivery, foster competition, and potentially lower airfare prices.
He emphasized the critical importance of adhering to the Cape Town Convention as a noteworthy achievement, stating that Nigeria’s compliance rating has significantly improved, thereby increasing its attractiveness to international aviation investors.
“This has restored confidence. Investors are beginning to look our way again,” he affirmed.
In addition, Keyamo announced that almost $1 billion in previously trapped funds owed to foreign airlines has been settled, enhancing Nigeria’s standing with global aviation organizations, including the International Air Transport Association.
He clarified that the previous issues arose from foreign airlines struggling to repatriate earnings due to foreign exchange limitations, a problem that has now been addressed by the current administration.
Keyamo argued that government-operated airlines have become nonviable on the global stage due to inefficiencies and political meddling, citing the privatization of British Airways as part of a worldwide trend moving away from state-run airlines.
“We cannot eliminate subsidies only to begin subsidizing a national airline,” he cautioned, advising against repeating the mistakes of the now-defunct Nigerian Airways.
He suggested alternative models, such as franchising the national carrier to private investors or bolstering current domestic airlines, as more sustainable options aligned with global best practices.
The minister reiterated the government’s vision to establish Nigeria as a premier aviation hub in Africa, detailing key objectives such as enhancing infrastructure, improving passenger processing systems, and increasing capacity for local airlines to compete on global routes.
“With the right infrastructure and access to aircraft, Nigeria can fully utilize its bilateral air service agreements and compete effectively in the international arena,” he concluded.
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