Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, announced that the Federal Government has abandoned the national carrier project. He emphasized that the focus is now on supporting the growth of local carriers.
Keyamo also expressed disappointment regarding the condition of the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA). He stated that plans are underway for the government to demolish it and construct a new one.
Keyamo made these remarks in Lagos at the launch of a book titled ‘100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects’. The book was written by Mr. Wole Shadare, Aviation Editor for New Telegraph Newspapers.
Keyamo affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to drafting policies that will support the development of domestic carriers.
The Minister pointed to recent government policies as evidence of this commitment, specifically mentioning the revised insurance regulation on leased aircraft, among others.
According to him, this policy will make aircraft more accessible and reduce airfares along domestic routes.
He said: “We have shifted focus to ensure growth and development for local operators through our policies.”
He added that air traffic operators have received training and retraining, and efforts have been made to address revenue leakages to boost earnings.
The minister also disclosed that almost all foreign airlines have complied with his directive to patronize local caterers for in-flight catering.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), stated that Nigeria currently has 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports nationwide, and over 2,100 licensed pilots, indicating the country’s growing aviation sector.
According to Kuku, the air transport sector contributed $1.7 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). She noted that private airlines are efficiently connecting cities, and international carriers increasingly recognize Nigeria as a critical market.
Kuku acknowledged that despite ongoing challenges such as infrastructure deficiencies, regulatory frameworks, and financing requirements, there remains substantial potential for growth.
She said: “Upon Nigeria’s attainment of independence in 1960, we were faced with a pivotal question: How could we convert colonial-era infrastructure into a sovereign aviation powerhouse? Our national carrier, Nigeria Airways, emerged as a response, yet it soon faced challenges stemming from mismanagement and operational inefficiencies. By the early 2000s, we found ourselves at a crossroads—adapt or risk obsolescence.”
“This juncture precipitated a remarkable transformation. The private sector took the initiative, introducing fresh capital, contemporary management practices, and a competitive spirit. Companies such as Air Peace and Arik Air did not merely fill the void—they revolutionised our aviation landscape. The current figures sum up this transformation: 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports nationwide, over 2,100 licensed pilots, a workforce comprising thousands, ranging from engineers to air traffic controllers.”
“Nigeria has emerged as a testament to the efficacy of market-driven solutions. Our aviation sector now contributes approximately $1.7 billion to our GDP. Private airlines are connecting our cities with unprecedented efficiency, and international carriers increasingly regard Nigeria as a critical market. Last year, over 16 million passengers traversed our domestic terminals, while international passenger numbers exceeded 3.5 million. These figures are indeed impressive, yet there remains substantial potential for growth.” These extended quotes provide a historical context and detailed statistics on the aviation sector’s transformation.
The book’s author, Shadare, described the 25-chapter book as a comprehensive account of the aviation industry’s evolution in Nigeria over the past 100 years.
According to him, it will assist scholars and researchers in understanding the industry’s history and future prospects.
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