The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, has announced a policy shift by the Federal Government aimed at strengthening domestic airlines rather than pursuing the controversial national carrier project.
Keyamo made this known on Friday in Lagos during the launch of a book titled “100 Years of Civil Aviation In Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects” authored by seasoned aviation journalist, Mr. Wole Shadare.
“The Federal Government had ceased to fund the idea of a national carrier,” the minister declared, emphasizing that resources and energy would now be directed towards empowering local airline operators to grow and compete with their international counterparts.
According to Keyamo, the new direction is already yielding results through key reforms, including revised insurance regulations for leased aircraft. He noted that these reforms have helped domestic airlines access more aircraft and, in turn, have contributed to a drop in airfares.
“We have shifted focus to ensure growth and development for local operators through our policies,” he said.
In a move to modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure, the minister also disclosed that the old terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos would soon be demolished to make way for a new terminal.
The event also featured remarks from the author, Mr. Wole Shadare, whose 25-chapter book chronicles a century of civil aviation in Nigeria. The publication explores the industry’s history, challenges, and future prospects, offering deep insights into one of the nation’s most vital sectors.
