Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON FCIArb (UK) has announced significant achievements in Nigeria’s aviation industry, following strategic collaborations and policy reforms which is enhancing the sector’s global competitiveness.
Speaking, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing series organized by Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, 13th March, 2025 at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, Keyamo stated that with recent engagement with Boeing Airline, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed, paving way for the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.
According to Keyamo, this development is expected to boost the nation’s aviation maintenance capacity, reduce operational costs for airlines, and create employment opportunities for local aviation professionals and the Nigeria youths.
“Also, following some of the agreements with Boeing, Boeing and Cranfield University, a specialist postgraduate university in the UK have started to implement trainings with domestic airlines. This is to fortify safety culture and operational excellence as agreed in the Seattle MOU”
Keyamo further stated that Nigeria’s attempt to fully comply with the Cape Town Convention on dry-leasing of aircraft by preparing and signing the Practice Direction, the Aviation Working Group (Co-chaired by Boeing and Airbus) adjusted the global score/rating of Nigeria’s compliance status from 49.5% to 70.5% while the signing of the Administrative Rules governing aircraft repossession by creditors and lessors, known as the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA), within 24 hours, increased Nigeria1s score on (CTC) index from 70.5% to 75.5%.
While expressing government’s vision to expand and improve aviation infrastructure, Keyamo said the Borno Airport has been upgraded to a full-fledged international airport, enhancing connectivity and economic development in the north-eastern region of Nigeria. Similarly, through a Public-Private Partnership, and with inter-agency cooperation with the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Arrival Hall at Lagos International Airport’s Wing E, has been remodeled resulting in a state-of-the-art facility that elevates passenger experience.
He informed the audience that Ministry is set to push the Fly Nigeria Act to the National Assembly, stating that this legislation, once passed, will prioritize Nigerian airlines for government-sponsored air travel, thereby boosting the local aviation industry and ensuring sustainability for indigenous carriers which is in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In his address, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris (FNIPR) reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and accountability to Nigerians.
Idris emphasized that the Ministerial Press Briefing Series is a platform designed to promote public engagement and ensure that citizens are well-informed about government policies, initiatives, and reforms. “Since the launch of the 2025 edition, five Honourable Ministers have taken the stage to present their scorecards, reflecting the administration’s unwavering commitment to good governance’’.
Highlighting the ongoing economic reforms, the Minister reassured Nigerians that the government’s transformative policies are beginning to yield positive results. While acknowledging that there was initial difficulties associated with the reforms, he stated that Nigeria is on the path to stability and prosperity. He cited notable improvements such as the reduction in food prices, stability in exchange rates, and a gradual decline in the cost of petroleum products.
The Minister also called on religious leaders to take advantage of the sacred period of Ramadan and Lent to offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, and progress. He reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is leading the nation with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
He commended the media for their dedication in covering government activities, ensuring Nigerians remain well informed about the administration’s policies and programmes and described them as a cornerstone of democracy that play crucial role in fostering national unity and development.
Signed
Odutayo Oluseyi
Head, Press and Public Relations
