Transforming Nigeria’s Aviation Sector: The Impact of Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN
By Samuel Temiloluwa
Barrister Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has had a profound impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector since his appointment in August 2023.
His leadership has been marked by a series of transformative initiatives that have improved the industry’s efficiency, safety, and global competitiveness.
Barrister Keyamo successfully cleared $850 million in trapped funds owed to international airlines, restoring confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and enabling airlines like Emirates to resume flights to Nigeria.
He improved Nigeria’s compliance with the Cape Town Convention, increasing the country’s compliance index from 49.5% to 75.5%. This has facilitated access to modern fleets and enhanced safety and operational efficiency for local airlines.
The Minister did not also loose sight of the local contest by prioritizing local content development, introducing policies that support Nigerian airlines and promote the growth of the industry.
He facilitated the launch of Air Peace’s London Gatwick route, enhancing Nigeria’s presence on the global aviation stage.
On Infrastructure Development, the minister has overseen significant upgrades to airport infrastructure, including the refurbishment of the Wing-E Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the commissioning of CNG buses.
He has also strengthen the security surveillance emphasizing the importance of safety and security in the aviation sector, launching initiatives to combat touting, extortion, and corruption at airports.
As parts of his landmark reforms, Barrister Keyamo engineered a landmark reform in Nigeria’s aircraft insurance regulatory framework, paving the way for greater investor confidence and enhanced local airline participation.
He signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing to establish a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, reducing reliance on foreign facilities and cutting costs for airlines.
The Minister has renegotiated and expanded Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with other countries, promoting tourism, trade, and economic growth.
Nigeria aviation sector, under Keyamo’s leadership, has demonstrated commitment to adhering to the standards and recommended practices (SARPs) of the Chicago Convention, further enhancing the country’s aviation regulatory framework.
The minister has ensured Nigeria’s compliance with the Tokyo Convention, which facilitates the prosecution of offenses and certain other acts committed on board aircraft, thereby enhancing aviation security and safety.
Barrister Keyamo’s initiatives have increased Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global aviation market, positioning the country as a leader in African aviation.
The Minister’s reforms have streamlined processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and improving the overall efficiency of the aviation sector, hence creating an enabling environment for the aviation sector to thrive, driving economic growth and development.
