The Aviation sector in Nigeria is on the verge of major progress, as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has laid out plans to elevate its global standing. Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the government is set on improving conditions for Nigerian carriers, making it easier and cheaper for them to lease aircraft while also reducing the cost of Insurance premiums. The initiative is expected to empower airlines to grow their fleets, reduce delays and cancellations, and lower ticket prices, offering the public more dependable services.
During a recent media interview, Keyamo explained that the administration’s strategy includes addressing capacity issues in the aviation sector. With more aircraft available, Nigerian carriers can better compete with international airlines and leverage the country’s bilateral air service agreements. This will allow them to operate on local and international routes, providing greater service reliability and cost efficiency. Adhering to the Cape Town Convention, an international agreement to lower expenses and mitigate risks related to aircraft leasing is a key aspect of the approach.
Local aviation sector improved its global ranking, rising from 49 to 70.5.
One notable achievement is the enhancement of the nation’s global aviation ranking, which rose from 49 to 70.5 following the federal government’s endorsement of a Practice Direction regarding aircraft dry leasing. The Aviation Working Group (AWG) recognised this progress, commending the government’s commitment to adhering to the convention. Keyamo conveyed hope that the country’s rating will increase even more, surpassing 80, once the government completes and endorses the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA). This crucial document would enable lessors to retrieve their aircraft on time in case of disagreements, facilitating a more secure and easier process for international Investors working with domestic airlines.
Furthermore, Keyamo disclosed intentions to enhance domestic Airline capabilities by setting up additional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centres within the nation, thereby minimising the delays caused by sending planes overseas for maintenance. He commended the nearly-finished MRO facility in Akwa Ibom and mentioned that Airbus had shown interest in collaborating to assist its operations. The minister emphasised the need for these types of facilities in West and Central Africa, noting that enhancing this Infrastructure would lower maintenance times and costs for local airlines, which would help decrease flight interruptions.
FG partners to acquire 1,000 bodycams for law enforcement.
Further Security enhancements are also underway in the country’s airports. Keyamo shared that, in collaboration with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the government has acquired 1,000 body cameras for airport law enforcement agencies. These cameras will provide live footage to a command centre, allowing real-time monitoring and improved security. The cameras will be allocated to essential agencies, such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and customs and immigration services. Alongside these updates, Keyamo addressed suspending the contentious Nigeria Air initiative, initially planned as a collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines.
He condemned the initiative as exploitative, arguing that it would have disproportionately benefitted the Ethiopian government’s airline, enabling it to overshadow local airlines on domestic and international routes. Keyamo underscored the Tinubu government’s dedication to supporting local airlines, enabling their expansion and maintaining their competitiveness against foreign players. He dismissed assertions that the suspension had led to losing foreign investments, arguing that the agreement provided minimal advantages while possibly endangering local businesses. He praised The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for addressing the outstanding payments owed to international airline companies.
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Moreover, this enduring issue has affected Nigeria’s standing in the global aviation industry, but the recent government disbursement of these funds has provided a solution. As a result, this initiative and continuous reforms have restored investor trust in the industry, enhancing its appeal to local and global businesses. The federal government seeks to develop a stronger and more competitive industry through these reforms. By empowering domestic airlines, improving security protocols, and upgrading infrastructure such as MRO facilities, the government is establishing a foundation for a thriving sector capable of catering to the needs of both local and global travellers.