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Airline Operators Hail Keyamo As ‘God-Sent’ Reviver Of Nigeria’s Aviation Sector

Airline operators laud aviation minister Festus Keyamo as a “God-sent” figure revitalising Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has hailed the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), as “God-sent” for his unprecedented support and bold reforms aimed at reviving the nation’s aviation sector.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Allen Onyema, Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the group showered praise on the Minister for what it called “exceptional dedication” to the growth and sustainability of local airlines. The association credited Keyamo’s leadership with breathing new life into an industry long plagued by neglect and policy inconsistency.

“Love him or hate him, believe it or not, Festus Keyamo is absolutely God-sent to Nigeria’s aviation industry,” the statement read, pointing to the Minister’s hands-on approach since assuming office in August 2023.

The AON cited several milestones, including the introduction of a five-point reform agenda, with a key focus on strengthening local airlines. According to the statement, this has already begun to bear fruit, with Nigerian operators poised to receive dry-leased aircraft in the coming weeks—an initiative expected to lower operational costs and expand fleet capacity.

“This Minister has repositioned Nigeria’s aviation and Nigeria positively on the global scene,” AON stated, adding that Keyamo has shown “uncommon political will and deep understanding of the industry’s challenges.”

The operators also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for what they called a “genius” appointment. “The appointment of Keyamo is one made right,” the statement noted, applauding the President for empowering the Minister to tackle the sector’s longstanding woes.

Unlike past administrations that, according to the AON, were quick to criticise local airlines for limited capacity, the current government has chosen to support them through actionable steps and partnerships.

“We commend the Federal Government for seeking ways to address the capacity challenges faced by local airlines, rather than demonising them for lack of capacity—an ugly trend that marred the past. This new direction reflects true leadership and patriotic pragmatism.”

The AON reaffirmed its commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Ministry to make Nigeria’s aviation sector globally competitive, safe, and reliable.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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