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  • Presidential ambition: Keyamo analyses Kwankwaso’s political fate 

    Presidential ambition: Keyamo analyses Kwankwaso’s political fate 

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has analysed the political fate and presidential ambition of Rabi’u Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Kwankwaso is the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano State.

    The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf and his allies recently dumped the party.

    Following the recent political development in the State, Keyamo in a post on Sunday evening on his official X handle @fkeyamo, stated that it appears Kwankwaso has boxed himself into one of the tightest corners in his political career following his indecision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Minister said with the exodus of key figures from NNPP to APC in Kano, the APC’s structure in Kano is now in better stead to challenge the NNPP in 2027. 

    Keyamo added that the APC is not so desperate for a Kwankwaso in Kano, but would be glad to welcome him into the Party because he remains an asset.

    Keyamo, however, highlighted five facts in his post to state back his reasons for stating that Kwankwaso is in a very difficult political crossroads.

    The post by Keyamo read: “I have always admired Engr. Mohammed Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso from a distance, but he appears to have boxed himself into one of the tightest corners in his political career simply because of his refusal/indecision to take the Olive Branch that was offered him by the APC much earlier. Let’s break down his predicament.

    “Fact 1 – Kwankwaso wants to be President, but none of the major political parties will pick him as a candidate in 2027. APC & PDP are going South & ADC’s ticket is Atiku’s to lose. Atiku is the owner of ADC (argue with your keypad, if you like). Only a major political Party can win a Presidential election in Nigeria. NNPP is still a one-State Party and with the recent wave of defections from NNPP (including the Governor himself), it is doubtful if it can maintain its grip on Kano in 2027. A leader is only as strong as his devoted lieutenants. 

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    “Fact 2: Kwankwaso will not support a northern candidate because that ends his own Presidential ambition since he MAY have to wait for another 16 years after 2027 to get a shot at the Presidency – 8 likely years for the Northern Candidate and another 8 likely years when it rotates to the South again. That’s a gamble he will not take. He will be 86 years old by then. So, this entirely rules out an ATIKU-Kwankwaso cooperation in 2027

    “Fact 3 – Based on the above calculations, the only pathway for Kwankwaso is in 2031, but the alliance he builds in 2027 will be crucial to his ambitions in 2031. If his grip on Kano slips in 2027, it will water down his clout and influence in 2031 to be handed a Presidential ticket by any of the major Political parties. This is the time he can cash in on his presumed dominance of Kano politics and take a chance”. 

    The post continues: “Fact 4: Kwankwaso’s only chance of a realistic alliance now with a major political party is actually narrowed down to the PDP, the APC or the Labour Party (only if Peter Obi returns there and picks the 2027 Presidential ticket and he agrees to run as VP candidate to Obi). But all three options present their own challenges.

    “With the PDP now gasping for breath, it may be easier for Kwankwaso to return to PDP on some terms (like taking over the entire structure in Kano and some North West States and returning Kano to PDP). And that will signal the death of NNPP. But with the zoning of the Presidential ticket to the South, that would mean a suspension of his 2027 Presidential ambition till 2031.

    “If Kwankwaso decides to pitch tent with the APC, he is in no position to dictate so much terms to the Party. With the exodus of key figures from NNPP to APC in Kano, the APC’s structure in Kano is now in better stead to challenge the NNPP in 2027. The APC is therefore not so desperate for a Kwankwaso in Kano, but would be glad to welcome him into the Party. He still remains an asset. But one thing is sure: the APC cannot throw its entire structure in Kano under the bus for a Kwankwaso, especially with the Governor parting ways with him. However, the attraction of the APC for him is that the APC still has the national spread and structures to retain power in 2031. So, an APC option for Kwankwaso will also mean a suspension of his Presidential ambition till 2031. 

    “The 2027 Labour Party option for Kwankwaso is narrower because he simply cannot and will not run as Vice-Presidential candidate to Peter Obi. Take that to the bank. His own people will not even support him to give a likely fresh 8 years to the South (forget all the noise of ‘I will serve just one term). 

    “Fact 5: From the scenarios above, Kwankwaso is in a very difficult political crossroads . The decision he makes now may retire him permanently from politics or revive his Presidential ambition. But one fact is clear: just like late Buhari and the CPC, without a handshake with another major Party, he will remain a local champion with his NNPP, but that too may soon vanish with the present predicament of the Party in Kano”.

  • FG sets up committee for launch of Edo indigenous airline

    FG sets up committee for launch of Edo indigenous airline

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has set up a technical committee for the launch of an indigenous airline in Edo State.

    The committee was constituted when the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, paid him a courtesy visit to advance discussions on the immediate activation of an indigenous airline for Edo State.

    Governor Okpebholo, who was accompanied by key members of his cabinet, stressed the urgency of establishing a homegrown airline to operate from Benin Airport, describing aviation as a critical driver for Edo State’s economic revival, investment inflow and job creation.

    Okpebholo in a statement by the Media Aide to the Aviation Minister, Tunde Moshood, revealed that the State government is already exploring several partnership options, including engagements with South African investors who have pledged to provide aircraft for the take-off of operations.

    He said, “If I have my way, I want this airline to kick off immediately, like tomorrow, even before the election. Edo State needs a strong aviation presence to open up our economy and reposition Benin as a major hub”.

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    The Minister, who welcomed the initiative and described it as timely revealed that the Ministry has also been engaging potential investors who have shown growing interest in the Benin Airport and its commercial viability.

    Keyamo recalled the historical significance of Benin Airport in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, noting that it once served as a major hub for the old Midwest region during the heyday of the defunct Okada Air.

    “Benin Airport used to be a strong aviation hub during the glory days of Okada Air. There is no reason it cannot reclaim that status. The interest we are seeing today confirms that Benin is ready again”.

    To fast-track the process, the Minister requested that the governor nominate a point person who will work directly with the Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry for effective coordination, regulatory compliance, and operational planning.

    “This committee will report to me and you every week for effective coordination. With proper collaboration, Benin Airport should be fully operational between the first and second quarters of this year.”

  • Keyamo, Osinbajo, Saraki, Obi for Ghana summit

    Keyamo, Osinbajo, Saraki, Obi for Ghana summit

    Politicians, top government officials, and businessmen will converge on Accra, Ghana, for the Regal Influence Summit.

    During the summit, leadership, governance, and national development will be discussed.

    Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi are expected to exchange ideas tomorrow at the three-day event.

    A statement by Kingsley Asiedu on behalf of Krif Foundation, organisers of the Real African summit, said Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), Mallam Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun) are also expected at the gathering.

    National Assembly members expected at the summit include Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, and Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central.

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    The summit’s appeal extends to business and policy leadership.

    Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN); his Interior Ministry’s counterpart, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and business leader and former presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, are billed to attend the event.

    The business community will be represented by business mogul and founder of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Dr. Deji Adeleke; an industrialist and philanthropist, Lee Ikpea; and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Mr. Chidi Ajaere.

    Other guests expected to add further prominence to the event are: former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan; erstwhile Adamawa Central Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani); former House of Representatives’ Majority Leader Mulikat Akande-Adeola; and member of the House of Representatives from Ondo State, Mrs. Martha Bodunrin.

  • Only competition can drive down airfares, says Keyamo

    Only competition can drive down airfares, says Keyamo

    • ‘Govt can’t fix ticket prices in deregulated sector’

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

    Keyamo spoke against the backdrop of public outcry against the high cost of domestic air travel.

    The minister assured air travellers that ongoing reforms are already attracting cheaper aircraft leases and expanding fleet capacity nationwide.

    Responding to reporters’ inquisition at the State House in Abuja after yesterday’s 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.

    Keyamo recalled that deregulation dates back to the Ibrahim Babangida era, when private carriers were first granted the freedom to operate and determine their pricing based on market dynamics.

    “The government has absolutely no power 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.

    The minister stated that the Senate invited him to shed light on rising airfares, but he could not attend due to his presentations at the FEC.

    He explained that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and domestic airlines were directed to appear before lawmakers in his absence.

    He 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.

    Keyamo stressed that for the first time in nearly two decades, a major international lessor returned to Nigeria and granted a cheaper dry lease to a local operator, an outcome he attributed to the reforms under the Tinubu administration.

    The reforms, the minister said, include new practice directions for the implementation of 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,” Keyamo said.

    The minister urged Nigerians to begin to feel the impact within a few months to a year.

    Baring his mind 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.

    The minister said the concerns that operators have raised about many issues in the sector had been forwarded to the relevant economic authorities.

    According to him, while the government will continue supporting the industry, it must also sustain the revenues necessary to maintain national aviation infrastructure.

  • Senate invites Keyamo over rising airfares

    Senate invites Keyamo over rising airfares

    The Senate yesterday summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), alongside key industry stakeholders for an urgent meeting.

    The summons followed widespread public outcry over the sharp rise in domestic airfares.

    During plenary yesterday, the senators decried the rise in the prices of airfares on major routes, including Abuja–Lagos, Abuja–Enugu, and Abuja–Ilorin, saying these have surged to between N400,000 and N650,000, a range many Nigerians can no longer afford.

    In its resolutions, the Senate: “Condemned the sudden and excessive rise in airfares nationwide, mandated the immediate summoning of all relevant aviation stakeholders.

    “Called for urgent measures to prevent exploitation and ensure affordable travel during the yuletide season.

    “Directed aviation committees to present recommendations at the next plenary”.

    Presenting the motion, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), stated that preliminary investigations indicated a growing number of Nigerians were unable to travel due to the drastic fare hikes.

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    “Mr. President, from Abuja to Lagos is now between 400,000 and 650,000 naira. Abuja to Enugu is about 500,000. Even Abuja to Ilorin is around 450,000,” he told the chamber.

    The committee chairman noted that with Christmas fast approaching, it had become necessary for the Senate to intervene to ease the financial burden on citizens.

    He added that while it had begun informal engagements with airline operators, no formal meeting had yet been held.

    The committee urged the Senate to summon all major aviation stakeholders, including airline owners and regulatory agencies, to explain the fare increase and propose immediate relief measures.

    Senator Peter Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said a flight which previously cost N150,000 to Enugu had jumped to N500,000, while another ticket from Lagos to Abuja was purchased at N560,000.

    Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West) noted that airline operators had already received multiple concessions, particularly on spare parts, and should therefore be held accountable for the current price surge.

    While Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) attempted to justify the increases, citing rising operational costs, inflation, expensive spare parts, and forex challenges, many other lawmakers insisted that the fares represented exploitation.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio said: “The minimum wage is N70,000. A civil servant would need to save six months’ salary to afford a one-way ticket. This is glaring exploitation.”

    Akpabio added that no corresponding increase in airport levies or aviation service charges could justify a 200–300 per cent spike in airfares.

    Following an extensive debate, the Senate resolved to summon all key stakeholders in the aviation sector, including the Minister of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and airline operators, for an emergency meeting this week.

    The Red Chamber also urged the Minister of Aviation to “rise to the occasion” and curtail what it called an “unwarranted extortion”.

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation was instructed to notify all stakeholders and ensure the emergency meeting is convened without delay.

  • Nigeria international air show to attract investors, boost economy – Keyamo

    Nigeria international air show to attract investors, boost economy – Keyamo

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that the Nigeria International Air Show, which will be hosted in Abuja next week, will attract investors and boost the country’s economy.

    The minister, who disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, during an inspection of installed facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), said the show would expose Nigeria to the world.

    The three-day event which will commence on Tuesday, will feature an air display by the Nigerian Air Force, talk shows, seminars, and an exhibition of various products and services.

    Keyamo said, “We decided to do this to showcase Nigeria to the world. We just came back from the Dubai Air Show last week, and those air shows actually portray and display the potential of those countries. So for us, this is the first time in the history of Nigeria that we are doing an international air show, and we are expecting foreign visitors, foreign airlines, foreign investors to come and see what we have to offer. So it is just a platform for Nigeria to showcase itself.

    “Some people may say we are still struggling with some aspects of our aviation ecosystem, but I ask, is it the chicken that comes first or the egg that comes first? Do you wait to get to the zenith before you begin to advertise yourself? In fact, this is the right time. There is no better time. 

    “The present government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has helped us a lot in the aviation sector. You can see that we have rolled out a lot of policies that are now making the sector grow. In fact, the sector is poised for growth.

    “I’m sure you have heard all of those statements from the private operators and how good this government has been to them. So this is the right time to invite investors to come and see where we are going and what we can do to help. And that is why we are doing the air show”.

    On what the country will gain from the exercise, Keyamo said, “It is December, and we have a lot of visitors coming in from Sunday to come and see what we have. A lot of people have heard about Nigeria and the growing aviation sector. So, they want to come and see for themselves the products we have, and the products other people around the world have and are willing to bring into Nigeria. 

    “Even our local operators will enjoy a lot of person-to-person diplomatic exchanges and business contacts. Air shows are an opportunity for people to strike deals.

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    “So leasors are coming, financiers are coming also. So, Nigeria has a lot to gain. Nigeria is gaining international attention, potential foreign investment and attracting a lot of people into Nigeria”. 

    The minister also noted that for safety reasons, during the hour of display in the air, aircraft will not be allowed to fly in and out of Abuja airport.

    He, however, added that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to all airlines to alert them of the air display.

    “For that brief period where there will be an air display, people have been told already not to fly in or fly out, to hold their flights for that period, and not to fly into Abuja for that period because the sky will be agog with displays. NOTAM has also been issued to all airlines.”

  • Keyamo tasks carriers on aircraft dry leasing opportunities

    Keyamo tasks carriers on aircraft dry leasing opportunities

    • As Federal Govt mulls sovereign cover

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo yesterday called on indigenous carriers to avail themselves of the opportunities opening up for the dry leasing of aircraft from lessors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

    Keyamo said major leasing companies and aircraft manufacturers are now ready to do business with Nigerian carriers because of the relevant structure / instruments put in place by the Federal Government to restore confidence in their transactions.

    Speaking at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Ikeja, Lagos where Air Peace took delivery of a Boeing  737 – 700 Aircraft secured from the world’s leading aircraft leasing company, Aercap.

    Keyamo said the dry lease transaction between Air Peace and AerCap is historic because it is the first time such development is taking place after 10 years when lessors refused to facilitate airplanes to Nigerian operators because of  issues bordering on default in payment.

    He commended Air Peace for the feat affirming that  for AerCap to go ahead with the deal, the Federal Government had to offer guarantee for the airline.

    Keyamo spoke of plans by the Federal Government to establish a Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company which will pull resources to secure airplanes from  original equipment manufacturers that local carriers could offtake.

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    The minister said with the credit guarantee offered by Fidelity Bank on behalf of Air Peace, confidence has been rebuilt in the aircraft selling ecosystem for Nigerian carriers.

    Keyamo attributed the milestone to efforts of the Tinubu administration , which has gone miles ahead to clear the ground for local carriers , strengthen the relevant legislative and legal instruments to ensure that transactions between aircraft lessors and Nigerian carriers have double assurance.

    The minister said the Tinubu administration continues to push for a healthy aviation sector, where local airlines will have access to the best aircraft deals.

    Keyamo said one of the windows to empower local carriers is to leverage platforms / mechanisms such as affordable aircraft leasing to enable them to compete with global carriers.

    While commending Air Peace for the rare feat of restoring the confidence of lessors in doing business with indigenous carriers, Keyamo said with the ramping up of their capacity, local carriers could change the market narrative.

    He said : ” We recommend that other local carriers optimise the structure in place , acquire more airplanes through these dry leasing opportunities and conquer the market.”

    On his part, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Air Peace , Allen Onyema said with its current business relationship with one of the leading aircraft lessors and the Boeing Company its fleet of aircraft will receive a boost soon.

    Describing aircraft dry leasing as a flexible and affordable window for airlines to boost their fleet, he said Air Peace is considering over 50 aircraft.

    Onyema commended the Tinubu administration for the landmark achievements in the aviation sector.

    He said : ” Tinubu supports indigenous businesses, the Nigerian economy is improving under his watch. Airlines can now dry lease aircraft, a development that was not possible about a decade ago. Many lessors and aircraft manufacturers are now coming to do business with Nigerian carriers. The Federal Government is now guarranting aircraft transactions for local carriers , including dry leasing for Air Peace , so that the carriers will not fail.

    ” This is the reason the efforts of Keyamo must be acknowledged for the reforms and transformation in the sector. “

  • Keyamo to IBUAM: produce skilled professionals

    Keyamo to IBUAM: produce skilled professionals

    The Federal Government has charged Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) to produce skilled professionals to fill manpower gap in the aviation sector.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) gave the charge during the unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Abuja over the weekend.

    The Federal Government, earlier this year, gave licence to IBUAM as the first private university of aeronautics in Nigeria.

    Keyamo said the university’s creation was timely and aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to develop local capacity and technical expertise in aviation.

    The minister said: “We are short-staffed in certain areas in aviation, and even Zaria is struggling in those particular areas. We are short-staffed in terms of air traffic controllers, skilled professionals who are very difficult to produce.

    “We have had to recall retirees and extend their tenure to meet the need. So, we expect that you concentrate on those areas where we are short-staffed.”

    The minister commended Balami’s determination and foresight, noting that his innovation had set a new standard for private sector involvement in aviation.

    “This is not just his achievement; it’s a victory for the entire aviation family,” he said.

    Keyamo explained that IBUAM was the first institution in Africa to integrate a flying school, an aviation university, and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility under a single management structure.

    “What even governments have not been able to integrate, he has done,” he said.

    He added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening human capital across strategic sectors.

    “What we are witnessing today satisfies two key pillars of our five-point aviation agenda — support for indigenous entrepreneurs and investment in human capacity,” Keyamo stated.

    According to the minister, the establishment of IBUAM reflects innovation, courage, and the dawn of a new era for African aviation.

    He also praised the appointment of the institution’s pioneer Vice Chancellor, retired Air Vice Marshal Prof. Paul Jemitola, describing him as “a man of discipline and excellence” who would lead the university with integrity and vision.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, described the university as a transformative institution that would redefine aviation education and professional growth across Africa.

    Najomo said the NCAA fully supports the initiative, as it aligns with its mandate to promote safety, development, and sustainability in the aviation sector.

    He applauded the decision to merge aeronautics and management studies, emphasising that leadership and safety were inseparable elements of aviation.

    “A strong regulatory system depends on the quality of human capital that drives it,” Najomo said.

    He added: “We look forward to collaborating with the university on curriculum design, safety management, and regulatory compliance training. By merging these disciplines, the university is preparing students to become complete professionals — technically competent, ethically grounded, and globally competitive.”

    Najomo further commended Balami and the university’s governing board for their vision and commitment, assuring that the NCAA would continue to back initiatives that foster education, professionalism, and innovation in the sector.

    Founder of the university, Isaac Balami, said the institution was established to contribute to meeting the growing demand for aviation professionals in Africa.

    “We are preparing what took us 20 years to learn in the industry and giving it to our children in four to five years. Number 14 of our schedule of tuition talks about giving students competency in digital simulation that qualifies them to work with global manufacturers,” he said.

    The pioneer Vice-Chancellor of IBUAM, Prof. Paul Jemitola, said the university aimed to build a new generation of aviation and management professionals equipped with practical and leadership skills.

    “Every student will have the opportunity to master piloting and leadership alongside their primary course of study. When you graduate, you will earn your degree and also a private pilot’s licence and international aircraft maintenance certification aligned with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards,” he said.

    According to the vice – chancellor, the institution will strengthen Nigeria’s aviation education framework and help develop the technical workforce required for the continent’s growing air transport industry.

    Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management is Nigeria’s first private aeronautic university, licensed by the Federal Government on April 30, 2025.

    The university’s establishment was approved by President Bola Tinubu during a Federal Executive Council meeting on March 3, 2025, ending a four-year wait for the institution’s founders.

  • Keyamo seeks collaboration to protect passengers’ rights

    Keyamo seeks collaboration to protect passengers’ rights

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has called for collaboration between the judiciary and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to protect rights of passengers, improve safety, and justice in the aviation industry.

    Keyamo made the call  in Abuja at NCAA judges conference 2025 with the theme: “The role of Judges in sustaining Nigerian’s adherence to applicable International Conventions in relation to carriage by air “.

    He said the Ministry’s aim is to have a system that commands trust from passengers, investors, and international partners.

    Keyamo while noting that trust is built on safety, accountability,  and justice, added that while NCAA continues to ensure safety and accountability, the judiciary must ensure justice delivery in the aviation industry.

    He said “When passengers or operators believe they will receive fair hearing and reasonable justice, confidence grows and with confidence, comes investment.

    “So, the Montreal Convention determines the rights of passengers, the obligations and liabilities of airlines too. So, today the intention is to ensure that the judges align with our moves to reform the aviation sector because we want the passengers to have full confidence that even at the end of the day, they will get justice when they go to court.

    “When the regulators and those who interpret the regulations meet and align, the ultimate winner will be the Nigerian people and the passengers.

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    “Every day I am sure you hear various complaints by passengers, either loss of their goods, their baggage, either delay of flights, cancellation of flights, and in rare cases accidents that either claim lives. So the end product of all of these disputes is the courts. If the regulators cannot resolve these disputes, they end up in court. So we want to ensure that the entire chain of aviation sequence ends up very well with the judiciary”.

    He maintained that the ongoing reforms in the aviation sector requires effective collaboration between the the Judiciary and the regulators, adding that aviation disputes are often technical and demand not only knowledge of the law but also an appreciation of international standards, insurance mechanisms, and operational realities.

    The Director General of NCAA  Capt. Chris Najomo stated that judiciary was indispensable in ensuring that  global commitments are actively enforced.

    He said when laws are interpreted with clarity and purpose, it becomes the foundation upon which safety, fairness, and trust are built in aviation.

    Najomo affirming that NCAA remains committed to continuous alignment with international standards, robust oversight, and transparent governance, added that judiciary’s wisdom gives legitimacy to every effort  NCAA makes to uphold the rule of law in aviation.

    The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Justice Lateef Fagbemi called on judges to apply the Convention with precision and empathy, while ensuring that Nigeria remains the beacon of legal excellence in aviation law.

    Fagbemi who was represented by the Director, Solicitor Department of the Ministry of Justice, Gladys Odegbaro said the Montreal Convention remains the central international instrument governing liability for international carriage by air.

    He said: “The Convention is not merely a treat, it is a living instrument that continues to evolve through judicial interpretation. Its core objective remains the harmonization of rules governing liability for international carriage by air, ensuring predictability, fairness and access to justice for passengers and carriers alike.

    “While claims for damages arising from carriage by air must be brought under the Montreal Convention, domestic laws determine procedural matters and persons entitled to bring up a claim. This decision has set a precedent for balancing international uniformity with local realities, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in shaping aviation jurisprudence”.

    He added that the task before the judiciary is to translate the text of the Convention into coherent and predictable outcomes for litigants and the travelling public.

    He urged  judges to continue to apply the Convention with precision and empathy, while ensuring that Nigeria remains the beacon of legal excellence in aviation law.

  • IBUAM: Keyamo, Midala, others hail Balami, say Tinubu will win Borno in 2027

    IBUAM: Keyamo, Midala, others hail Balami, say Tinubu will win Borno in 2027

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, has hailed Comrade Isaac Balami for establishing a private university, describing it as a development that will attract more people to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking at the unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Keyamo said the “transfer season” was still open for anyone willing to join the APC, urging Balami to take charge of political mobilization in Borno State.

    Commending Balami’s energy and vision, the minister recalled how the young entrepreneur first presented his dream of an aviation university to him shortly after his appointment.

    “The moment I was sworn in as Minister of Aviation, one of the first people who came to my office was Isaac Balami. He shared his plans for the aviation sector. I remember it was around his 39th birthday. He told me he had just established an MRO in Lagos and that the Isaac Balami University was on the way,” Keyamo said.

    He expressed surprise and admiration for Balami’s initiative at such a young age, adding that he was inspired to support him until the university received approval.

    “This is another feather to my cap as Minister of Aviation. I can proudly say I’ve delivered my own polling unit in this sector. This aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to support the private sector and promote human capital development — two key pillars in our five-point agenda,” Keyamo added.

    He described IBUAM as a “revolutionary achievement,” noting that it is the first of its kind in Africa by combining a flying school, aviation professional training, and an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility under one umbrella.

    Also speaking, the member representing Askira Uba Federal Constituency, Hon. Midala Balami, praised the university’s founder, describing him as a symbol of resilience and determination. He said with the unveiling of IBUAM, political opposition in Borno had been weakened, and the stage set for President Tinubu’s victory in 2027.

    “Congratulations to Isaac Balami for completing 40 to 50 percent of the campaign for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

    Balami expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Keyamo, Seyi Tinubu, Captain Chris Najomo, and others who contributed to the success of the project. He said his decision to remain in Nigeria and invest locally, despite the ongoing brain drain, was driven by his passion to contribute to nation-building.

    Balami recounted his humble beginnings, noting how his parents sold their properties to support his education.

    “The university is not just another tertiary institution; it is tied to an aircraft maintenance and overhaul facility in Lagos. Our goal is to produce 21-year-old graduates who can work anywhere in the world without supervision,” he said.

    He called on state governments, ministries, agencies, and political leaders to sponsor students on scholarships, emphasizing that profits from the university would be reinvested into society through his foundation.

    Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, announced scholarships for 100 female students willing to enroll in the university, noting that empowering young women in critical sectors aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for gender inclusion and national growth.

    The event was attended by dignitaries including the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, as well as senators, permanent secretaries, and captains of industry.

    The convener urged all candidates who scored cut off points of 200 and above to quickly go to https://www.ibuam.edu.ng/ to register.

    It assured candidates that most of its scholarships will come from development  agencies, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and North East Development Commission, NEDC.