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Tag: Festus Keyamo

  • Keyamo, ADC spokesman lock horns over zoning of presidency

    Keyamo, ADC spokesman lock horns over zoning of presidency

    A sharp political exchange erupted yesterday between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and the spokesman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, over zoning of the presidency ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The debate was triggered by a post by Keyamo on X (formerly Twitter), in which he accused the ADC of deliberately avoiding a clear position on zoning its presidential ticket to protect the ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    “There is no hiding place for the opposition, just like there is no hiding place for the ruling party. Let the neck-pressing continue without letup,” Keyamo wrote.

    According to the minister, the ADC’s reluctance to zone its ticket mirrors what he described as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) “fatal mistake” in the 2023 election.

    Keyamo said: “The ADC is scared to clearly zone its Presidential ticket, like the other major parties (PDP and APC) have done, because the party belongs to one man called Atiku Abubakar.

    “It is the exact corner that Atiku pushed PDP to in 2023 that ADC now finds itself.”

    Keyamo argued that in a “highly sensitive country like Nigeria,” any party with national ambition must be explicit about zoning, insisting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) triumphed in 2023 because it zoned its ticket to the South.

    He further accused Atiku of attempting to “camouflage with Peter Obi” to attract votes from the Southeast and the Southsouth, warning that such a strategy would damage national unity.

    He said: “Atiku wants to surreptitiously secure votes and become President on a flawed template that will damage our fragile unity as a nation,” adding that Obi’s alleged cooperation was driven by “selfish reasons” linked to a vice-presidential ambition.

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    “Commiserations to the naive Obi supporters who are being led into a dead end by wily, old war horses in politics,” Keyamo added.

    In a rebuttal, Abdullahi accused the minister of selective memory and double standards, particularly regarding APC’s own history with zoning.

    He recalled the 2015 post-election crisis over the Senate presidency, noting that APC leaders initially zoned the position to the North-Central but reversed the decision when Bukola Saraki appeared likely to emerge.

    Abdullahi said: “At that point, the ACN bloc, led by Baba Akande and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, argued that zoning was a PDP thing and alien to progressive politics,” adding that this argument was used to back Ahmed Lawan from the Northeast.

    Abdullahi argued that APC’s presidential primaries over the years weakened the claim of strict zoning, pointing out that the 2015 contest was open to aspirants from different regions, including Rochas Okorocha, Muhammadu Buhari, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar and Sam Nda-Isaiah.

    On national unity, he said zoning could not be separated from religious balancing, accusing APC of ignoring that factor when it fielded a Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023.

    “APC put a knife to this fragile rope of national unity when it settled for a same-faith ticket,” he said.

    Describing Keyamo’s sudden focus on the ADC as curious, Abdullahi said the party was building a “winning coalition” and stressed that no final decision had been taken on zoning or candidates.

    “When we do decide, it will be based on a clear strategy to win the election,” he said, while rejecting claims that the ADC was organised around Atiku’s ambition.

    Keyamo, however, doubled down in a further response, arguing that Nigeria’s zoning principle was shaped by painful national experiences, particularly following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010.

    He said former President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to run in 2015, contrary to zoning expectations, cost him the election.

    “This means any major political party that does not respect the zoning formula is doomed to fail at the polls,” Keyamo said, predicting a similar fate for the ADC in 2027.

    Defending APC’s record, he insisted the party had always been clear on zoning, citing decisions to zone to the North in 2015 and to the South in 2023, while dismissing religious considerations as secondary to regional balancing under the constitution.

    Despite the sharp exchanges, Keyamo commended Abdullahi’s tone, describing it as measured and cerebral.

  • More aircraft, stronger competition will cut airfares – Keyamo

    More aircraft, stronger competition will cut airfares – Keyamo

    …FG cannot legally fix ticket prices in a deregulated sector

    More aircraft and stronger competition among domestic airlines will force airfares down in the months ahead, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said on Wednesday.

    Keyamo who gave this assurance in response to public outcry against high cost of domestic air travel, further assured that ongoing reforms are already attracting cheaper aircraft leases and expanding fleet capacity nationwide.

    Responding to questions from journalists at the State House, Abuja after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister explained that as airlines acquire more planes on cheaper terms, market competition, not government regulation, will ultimately drive ticket prices lower in what is a fully deregulated aviation sector.

    According to him, the Federal Government has no legal authority to fix airfares, noting that deregulation dates back to the Ibrahim Babangida era when private carriers were first granted freedom to operate and determine their pricing based on market dynamics.

    “Government has absolutely no powers to fix prices for private enterprises. That is what deregulation means. But that does not mean we are leaving the airlines without engagement,” Keyamo said.

    He confirmed he was invited by the Senate over rising airfares but could not attend due to his presentations at FEC, adding that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and domestic airlines were directed to appear before lawmakers in his absence.

    The minister listed key cost drivers frequently raised by operators, including limited access to aircraft, unfavourable lease conditions, lack of local maintenance facilities, and the persistent need to source large volumes of foreign exchange to conduct mandatory C-checks abroad.

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    Keyamo disclosed that, for the first time in nearly two decades, a major international lessor has returned to Nigeria and granted a cheaper dry lease to a local operator, an outcome he attributed to reforms under the Tinubu administration, including new practice directions implementing the Cape Town Convention to protect lessors’ rights.

    “With cheaper dry leases coming in, more airlines will have access to aircraft. More aircraft automatically means stronger competition. And competition is what brings prices down in any free economy,” he said, adding that Nigerians should begin to feel the impact within months to a year.

    On the issue of multiple taxes and charges, recently flagged by ECOWAS, Keyamo noted that aviation taxes fall under federal revenue authorities, not his ministry.

    “I cannot wake up one morning and abolish taxes. These revenues go into the Federation Account. The Finance Minister, the tax authorities, and other stakeholders must all be at the table,” he said.

    He added that concerns raised by operators have already been escalated to the relevant economic authorities, stressing that while government will continue supporting the industry, it must also sustain revenues necessary to maintain national aviation infrastructure.

  • Four ‘must-dos and don’ts’ before flight takeoff

    Four ‘must-dos and don’ts’ before flight takeoff

    The Federal Government, on Wednesday, ordered Emmanson’s release from Kirikiri and withdrew charges against KWAM 1.

     Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo announced the decision on X. 

    This action preceded the unruly behaviour exhibited by the two individuals before the flight take-off.

    Keyamo said recent events in the industry concerning unruly behaviour of certain individuals are unfortunate, stating, lessons have been well highlighted for the travelling public.

    The controversy could have been avoided if the passengers had duly respected the precautions to follow before the flight took off.

    Travelling by air is an adventurous journey, but as much as the journey is controlled by the airline, there are still responsibilities that passengers must ensure they follow to avoid disrupting the flight or causing harm. It’s important to know the safety precautions before the plane takes off.

    Here are things you MUST DO before the flight takes off:

    1. Fasten your seat belt.

    This is the most effective safety precaution. Most modes of transportation always have to use a seatbelt during the journey, e.g, vehicles, buses, lorries, jets, planes, etc. This is essential as it ensures the safety of passengers on board. Passengers must fasten their seatbelts even if the seatbelt sign is turned off. Once the plane takes off, there’s a tendency for turbulence to take place, which makes the passenger vulnerable to harm.

    2. Switch off your phone

    While it’s good to stay in check with loved ones on the plane, it’s a must to either switch off your phone or put it on airplane mode. This is to avoid distortion with the airline communication network. The case of Emmanson would have been avoided if her phone had been duly switched off. 

    The pilot would always announce to the passengers what they needed to know and do. To ensure safety, passengers must respond attentively to the announcement. So, it’s either the phone is switched off or it’s placed on airplane mode. But, if the pilot says airplane mode, then so it should be. The unruly passenger, Emmanson, had placed her phone on airplane mode but the instruction to switch off the phone wasn’t followed, and that caused a dispute between her and the crew members, which led to physical assault.

    Here are MUST- DONT’S before flight take off:

    1. Boarding with Liquid Substance

    Passengers are not expected to take any form of liquids into the plane, such as water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, etc. This is strictly flagged off before entering the plane. This compromise got Kwam 1 placed on a one-month ban. He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and later walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing.

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    However, some airlines would share liquids and snacks with the passengers during the flight. 

    2. Boarding with weapons

    Weapons are flagged off immediately during security checks to ensure the safety of everyone. As such, passengers must not board the plane with weapons, such as knives, explosives, firearms, or any other dangerous objects.

    This is to prevent unforeseen threats that may endanger lives.

  • Unruly behaviour: Keyamo reads riot act on aviation safety, security

    Unruly behaviour: Keyamo reads riot act on aviation safety, security

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has read the riot act on aviation safety and security following recent cases of unruly behaviour by air passengers.

    The latest case involved a passenger, Ms. Comfort Bob, who was onboard Ibom Airline flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday.

    The MInister confirmed that the passenger has been arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates Court for criminal offences and remanded at Kirikiri Prisons because she could not provide adequate sureties in court.

    Keyamo, while condemning the release of the passenger’s video showing indecent exposure of her breast, directed that whoever released that part of the video amongst the staff should be singled out and adequately sanctioned.

    He also directed airlines to train and retrain their staff in public relations and how to deal with potentially explosive situations in order to diffuse them promptly or nip them in the bud, except when it becomes inevitable.

    The Minister also said he has directed a joint security meeting between relevant agencies next week for better coordination of security measures.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Passenger who assaulted Ibom Air crew member remanded in Kirikiri

    The statement posted on the official X handle of the Minister @fkeyamo on Monday night reads: “Earlier today, we again woke up to viral videos of a female passenger on Ibom Airline (now identified as Ms. Comfort Emmanson or Comfort Bob) who went berserk and physically assaulted both the flight crew and the ground staff. The incident took place yesterday, August 10, 2025 on Ibom Airline Flight No. Q153 from Uyo to Lagos at about 14:54 hours.

    “Ibom Airline has since issued a statement to provide some context to the effect that the whole unfortunate incident arose because of the refusal of the passenger to switch off her phone during take off as required by extant International Civil Aviation Regulations.

    “Consequently, in the last few hours, I have been speaking with the Commissioner of Police of the Airport Police Command, the DG of the NCAA and his team, the MD of FAAN and her team, the COO of Ibom Air and his team about the incident.

    “Apart from the indefinite flight ban imposed on the said unruly passenger (both local and international)
    by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) the Police has promptly arraigned her this morning at the Ikeja Magistrates Court for criminal offences and remanded her at Kirikiri Prisons as she could not provide adequate sureties in court. I have attached the Charge Sheet and Remand Order for clarity.

    “We also note the scuffle that took place between the unruly passenger and ground personnel before she was eventually subdued.

    “This was because of her uncooperative attitude. Whilst we support the filming of her recalcitrant behaviour as evidence to prosecute her, what is deplorable is to release such evidence containing indecent exposure to the public to ridicule her. That is totally unacceptable to us.

    ” We will not fold our arms and tolerate the debasing of womanhood. I have therefore directed that whoever released that part of the video containing the indecent exposure amongst the staff should be singled out and adequately sanctioned.”

    He added: “I have also directed that the airlines must continue to train and retrain their staff in public relations and how to deal with potentially explosive situations in order to diffuse them promptly or nip them in the bud, except when it becomes inevitable. I have also directed a joint security meeting between relevant agencies next week for better coordination of security measures in situations like this or similar ones we witnessed recently.
    “For genuinely aggrieved passengers, there are clearly laid-down remedies to address grievances. The Consumer Protection Directorate of the NCAA has consistently advertised these remedies and there is no point trying to take the laws into one’s hands that may lead to dire consequences.
    “We will continue to apply equal sanctions available to us in Aviation on any such erring passengers, that is lengthy flight bans and report the matters to other law-enforcement agencies to do their bit within their powers”.

  • ValueJet: Olowu urges Keyamo, NCAA boss to pardon K1 over Airport incident 

    ValueJet: Olowu urges Keyamo, NCAA boss to pardon K1 over Airport incident 

    The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has appealed to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to forgive popular fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, following his altercation with ValueJet officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday.

    In video clips shared online, the monarch urged all parties to embrace forgiveness, noting that “to err is human, but to forgive is divine.”

    He also called on the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, to lift the ban on K1 and reverse the suspension placed on pilot Oluranti Ogoyi in the aftermath of the incident.

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     Olowu said, ” I want to make a public appeal concerning our illustrious son, an Icon, a legend, a distinguished Nigerian, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal directly to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, our dear son, Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN and the DG of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo and the CEO of ValueJet, Mr Kunle Soname on the error of judgement that occurred at the Abuja airport during the altercation. 

    “Our son has truly atoned and made public apology; we are supporting his public apology by appealing to the relevant authorities to please temper justice with mercy. We are also aware that punitive pronouncement has been made, but we’re appealing for mercy.

    “Also, I ask the concerned authority to forgive our daughter, pilot Oluranti Ogoyi. No one is immune from mistakes. Even nations make mistakes. Let’s forgive them and move forward. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Olowu added.

    “Mistake has been made, and an atonement has also been made. K1 has done a lot to promote the brand Nigeria. As a nation, we should pardon him and m

  • Keyamo mocks ADC coalition, calls their tactics ‘expired 419 formats’

    Keyamo mocks ADC coalition, calls their tactics ‘expired 419 formats’

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has ridiculed the rising confidence of the opposition coalition to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their political manoeuvres as outdated ‘419 formats’ that no longer fool Nigerians.

    Speaking during a televised interview, Keyamo said Nigerians have become more politically discerning and are aware of the opposition’s gimmicks, which he claimed are nothing more than recycled strategies dressed up for public appeal.

    “I know them very well, and they know us very well. These tactics they are employing are expired. They are 419 formats that have been used over the years. I was an EFCC prosecutor. I know those formats. Nigerians know them too. You cannot deceive Nigerians with these expired formats again,” he said.

    Keyamo accused the opposition of manipulating economic data and amplifying isolated incidents to project a false image of national failure. 

    “Reeling out figures, picking up isolated incidents of some indices, and using it for generalisation. Nigerians are wiser than that,” he added.

    He acknowledged that inflation remains a challenge but insisted that macroeconomic indicators are improving under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. 

    “Inflation is coming down. The Naira has been steady. Foreign reserves are rising. Government revenues are rising. These are indices of a healthy economy. The trickle-down effect will soon reflect in job creation and improved living conditions,” he assured.

    On the strength of the opposition, Keyamo maintained that the APC remains robust and well-positioned. 

    “You say they are getting stronger; is the APC getting weaker? No. We have the demography. We have the structures. We are not strangers to this game. They are not bringing anything new. It’s the same confused coalition the President once described as ‘a coalition of confused people,’” he said.

    He also took a swipe at prominent opposition figures, accusing one of living lavishly while pretending to fight for ordinary Nigerians. 

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    “I saw one of them huffing and puffing on one of your programmes, talking about rescuing Nigerians. That person displays 500 cars in his garage and is telling Nigerians he wants to rescue them. Nigerians are not fools,” Keyamo stated.

    Reacting to reported plans to merge the political camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Keyamo predicted failure. 

    He argued such a coalition would lose the unique factors that drove Obi’s 2023 appeal. 

    “If they make Obi deputy to Atiku, two of the three demographic factors that delivered Obi’s votes will collapse,” he said, citing the Christian bloc, the South-East sentiment, and the youth-driven ‘Obidient’ movement.

    He concluded that APC’s northern base remains solid and loyal. 

    “We have the structures in the North. Governors, senators, Buhari’s people. Buhari’s 12 million votes are still there, loyal to the APC,” he said.

    Keyamo, who previously served as chief spokesperson for two presidential campaigns, expressed confidence in APC’s future prospects. 

    “I’ve been called a political Nostradamus. Play back my tapes from 2019 and 2023. I told you where we would win and lose. This time around, we are even more grounded,” he declared.

  • Lagos airport to become smart hub, says Keyamo

    Lagos airport to become smart hub, says Keyamo

    Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has defended the N700 billion Lagos Airport smart hub project, insisting it is a strategic investment to reposition Nigeria’s aviation sector and not an extravagant venture.

    Speaking in a televised interview, Keyamo described the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) as “decrepit and outdated,” lamenting the persistent infrastructure failures that have embarrassed the nation. 

    “The roof is leaking, the carousels are obsolete, ceilings are collapsing. The entire structure is in a state of decay,” he said.

    The Minister explained that the project involves the complete reconstruction of Terminal 1, while Terminal 2 will be redesigned to correct structural deficiencies. 

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    He stressed that the airport would be upgraded into a smart hub with features like a unified security screening system, seamless transit facilities, and improved access infrastructure.

    Defending the cost, Keyamo compared the project to similar international airport upgrades. 

    “Oliver Tambo in South Africa cost $1.2 billion. Angola’s airport cost $3.5 billion. JFK in New York is over $9 billion. Our project is less than $500 million. It is a steal,” he said.

    He assured that the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) thoroughly vetted the project’s financials. 

    “The figures were not set by the Ministry. The BPP reviewed and approved the cost after rigorous evaluation,” he added.

    Keyamo also disclosed that the project would be financed through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, using savings from subsidy removal. He said no external loans would be required.

  • FEC approves full rehabilitation of Lagos airport terminal

    FEC approves full rehabilitation of Lagos airport terminal

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the full rehabilitation, upgrade and modernisation of International Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, marking the centerpiece of a sweeping ₦900 billion aviation infrastructure plan across Nigeria.

    The decision was announced on Thursday following the council’s meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the project, awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), will strip the aging terminal down to its structural core before rebuilding it with new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

    The project, funded entirely through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, will be executed over a period of 22 months.

    “We have decided to strip it down to only the carcass and then do the complete M&E again,” Keyamo said, emphasizing the administration’s departure from patchwork repairs toward a comprehensive overhaul of key aviation facilities.

    Also in Lagos, the Council approved the expansion of Terminal Two, including the construction of a new apron, access roads, bridges, and related works.

    When combined with the Terminal One project, the total cost of all Lagos-related airport works amounts to ₦712.26 billion, making it one of the most significant single investments in Nigeria’s aviation sector in recent years.

    In a move to improve security at the Lagos airport, the council approved a ₦49.9 billion perimeter fencing project.

    The 14.6-kilometre metal fence will feature an intrusion detection system, CCTV cameras, solar-powered floodlights, and a patrol road.

    Keyamo noted that the security enhancements will include a modern command center capable of detecting any movement near the fence in real-time.

    “Anyone or anything close to the fence will be detected immediately, and the location pinpointed,” he said.

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    The Council also greenlit upgrades at other key airports across the country. At Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, FEC approved ₦46.39 billion for the rehabilitation of both runways and taxiways, along with an upgrade of the airfield lighting to Category Two (CAT 2) standards.

    The 24-week project is expected to significantly improve operational safety and reduce weather-related flight disruptions.

    Port Harcourt International Airport is also set for a runway and taxiway rehabilitation, with airfield lighting upgrades to CAT 2 standards approved at a cost of ₦42.14 billion.

    Meanwhile, in Lagos, airfield lighting on Runways 18 Left and 36 Right, as well as on Taxiways B and C, will be upgraded to CAT 2 LED systems under a ₦44.13 billion contract with a 30-week completion period.

    To further improve operations at Lagos’ domestic wing, the council approved the reconstruction and conversion of over 82,000 square meters of apron areas.

    This project, valued at ₦24.27 billion, will be carried out in phases over approximately 17 and a half months to expand aircraft parking space and ease traffic management.

    In a major shift toward private sector involvement in airport management, FEC also approved the full business case for the 30-year concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

    The concession includes the completion and operation of the airport’s cargo terminal by a private consortium.

    Keyamo said the decision was driven by the financial strain on government resources from running smaller airports.

    “Most of the smaller airports apart from the major ones are running at a loss. The profits we make from Kano, Lagos, and Abuja often go into keeping these others alive”, he explained.

    He said the concession model would unlock the commercial potential of non-aeronautical revenue streams, such as conference centers and shopping malls, which generate substantial income at modern airports globally.

    “That has always been the plan of this administration—to concession some airports to private individuals and entities so they can run them profitably,” Keyamo said.

    To reassure stakeholders, he stressed that the process has been transparent and inclusive, particularly with regard to labour unions.

    “I am not someone who ignores the unions. From the very start, I directed that they must be part of the committee,” he said, noting that labour representatives have been fully involved in the concession process.

    The Aviation Minister pledged that full details of the concession—including the identities of the consortium members and financial terms—would be made public in due course.

    “At the right time, we will jointly address Nigerians and disclose all necessary details to ensure full transparency,” he said.

  • Aviation, finance ministries seek investment for economy

    Aviation, finance ministries seek investment for economy

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo yesterday received a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), led by its Managing Director, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang , to explore  investment opportunities within the aviation sector as part of broader efforts to reposition the industry as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic transformation.

    Accompanied by representatives of their Qatari strategic partner, Power International Holdings, the MOFI team highlighted several potential areas of collaboration across key segments of the aviation value chain.

     Dr. Takang praised the Minister’s recent introduction of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) and Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA) framework, describing it as a “masterstroke in reform-minded policy innovation critical to unlocking capital inflow and building a robust aviation sector.”

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    He further noted that these initiatives are aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for $1 trillion economy driven by strategic sectors, including aviation.

    In his response, the Minister expressed deep appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the critical role MOFI can play in bridging the gap between government policy and long-term private capital investment.

     “Sound policy is the foundation of investment attraction. MOFI is indeed the missing link we have been seeking in our drive to reform and reposition the aviation sector. I welcome this opportunity for structured collaboration,” the Minister stated.

    Both parties agreed to establish a joint working team that will fine-tune identified areas of cooperation, conduct feasibility assessments, and propose actionable steps toward implementation.

    The visit marks a significant step toward harnessing institutional capital for aviation infrastructure, a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu’s administration.

  • ‘Airports running at losses’

    ‘Airports running at losses’

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that Nigerian airports are operated at a financial loss without private sector involvement, stressing that the Federal Government could no longer sustain them profitably.

    Keyamo, who spoke at the launch of Enugu State’s indigenous airline, Enugu Air, on Monday, said, “There is no government that can run airports again in Nigeria for profit.

    “We are running the airports at a loss because we don’t have the drive of the private sector. I’m saying it openly, and I have no apologies.”

    The minister addressed public concerns over the fate of the Enugu airport, clarifying that the facility was not being sold but concessioned to private investors.

    “I have seen some comments saying, ‘No, we are selling Enugu airport out.’ We are concessioning it. The process is supported by Mr. President, by FAAN, by the Ministry of Aviation, and by the National Assembly committees.

    “We are just in the process of handing Enugu airport to private investors who will come and make this place open, including the cargo terminal,” he said.

    According to Keyamo, the cargo terminal will significantly boost economic activities in the region.

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    “You can now process exports directly from Enugu here—the cargo terminal—for the good and employment of Enugu people. I thought it was necessary to mention it here today.”

    He praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his proactive efforts in attracting private investments to the airport, noting that the governor refused to wait on bureaucracy to drive progress.

    “The governor came to me and said, ‘I want to attract private sector investments into Enugu airport. I will not wait for bureaucracy to run this airport for me; the pace of development is too slow.’ I said, ‘Wait, finish the airline.’

    “He said, ‘No, I’m not finishing it. I want the private sector to take over this airport and run it for the good people of Enugu State,’” the minister stated.

    Keyamo said that shortly after, several top-tier private firms, with expertise in airport management, made proposals.

    “Before we said Jack, private individuals—very big companies, some of the best in terms of airport management—came together. And as I speak to you, in the next few months and few years, Enugu airport will not be what you see here today. The private sector is coming into Enugu airport, driven by the governor.”

    On the airline launch, the minister further revealed that Governor Mbah was equally determined to bring Enugu Air to life.

    “I told the governor there’s a long process to get an airline its own AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate) to operate. But he said he couldn’t wait for two years. He said he would partner with someone who already has an AOC. I approached XEJet, and they approved. And here is Enugu Air,” he stated.