Keyamo Says Tinubu’s Policies Are Driving Growth in Nigeria’s Airline Industry
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says Nigeria is witnessing unprecedented growth in the commercial aviation sector under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with more local airlines entering the market than in previous years.
Speaking during an interview, Keyamo said the current administration has created an environment that encourages investment in the aviation industry.
“Under the previous government, you did not see this kind of surge in the commercial airline business like we are seeing now,” he said.
The minister cited Enugu Air as one of the new airlines already operating, adding that Caliphate Airlines is also preparing to begin operations in Sokoto.
According to him, many of the new carriers are being built on stronger and more sustainable business models compared to those of the past, when several domestic airlines struggled to remain in operation.
“It’s only President Bola Tinubu’s government that has made it a priority to support the growth and sustainability of local airlines,” Keyamo said.
Jet A1 Fuel Pricing Not Under Aviation Ministry
Responding to concerns about the high cost of aviation fuel, popularly known as Jet A1, Keyamo said the Aviation Ministry does not have the authority to regulate its price.
He explained that aviation fuel is a petroleum product and therefore falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Although he has held meetings with fuel marketers to discuss the issue, the minister stressed that his ministry cannot determine the price of Jet A1.
He also blamed recent increases in fuel prices on external factors, including the conflict involving Iran, noting that prices have started to decline.
While acknowledging that airlines are heavily affected by rising fuel costs, Keyamo said it would be unfair to hold the aviation ministry responsible for an issue outside its jurisdiction.
Enugu Air Incident Under Investigation
Commenting on the recent runway incident involving an Enugu Air aircraft, Keyamo described it as an isolated case caused by a slippery runway.
He urged the public not to jump to conclusions while investigations are still ongoing.
The Embraer E170 aircraft, which arrived from Lagos, recently overshot the runway at Benin Airport. All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, with no injuries recorded.
Following the incident, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria temporarily shut the runway for safety inspections, leading some domestic airlines to suspend flights to and from Benin until operations resumed.
Asaba Private Jet Case a Security Breach
The minister also confirmed that the recent private jet incident in Asaba involved a security breach.
He disclosed that the pilot and crew of the American-registered aircraft are currently being questioned by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Keyamo further revealed that the Federal Government is considering concessioning more airports that are not financially viable as part of efforts to improve their efficiency and long-term operations.
