Since assuming office over 12 months ago, Minister Festus Keyamo has actively worked to elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry. Despite differing opinions on his methods, many acknowledge his progress in infrastructure development and airline support.
Keyamo has focused on protecting Nigerian carriers, improving airport infrastructure, and addressing diplomatic issues. His efforts have positively impacted passenger satisfaction, tackling illegal charters and prioritizing indigenous carriers.
Backing Indigenous Airlines
Pushing the narrative, “You cannot go wrong supporting your own,” Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has emphasized supporting domestic airlines. His journey began with a visit to Murtala Muhammed Airport, where he announced the suspension of Nigeria Air. The airline, with a 49% share owned by Ethiopian Airlines, faced opposition as a potential disruptor in the local industry.
The decision to halt Nigeria Air’s pursuit of an Air Operators Certificate (AOC) was confirmed by the judiciary on August 5, 2024, in a landmark judgment. Keyamo’s stance was rooted in protecting Nigeria’s interests, arguing that the airline had anti-Nigeria concessions not afforded to indigenous carriers.
In addition, Keyamo has supported domestic airlines flying foreign routes. His advocacy for restoring Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) has been visible. A notable instance is his fight to restore Air Peace’s access to London Heathrow, currently limited to Gatwick Airport, which he argues lacks Heathrow’s connectivity.
Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, CEO of West Link Airlines, praised Keyamo’s bold stance. “This is another commendable action by the minister,” Mshelia said. He emphasized that BASA should grant Nigerian airlines access to prime airports like Heathrow, similar to the UK’s airlines enjoying Lagos Airport. “Under our Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), operations are intended for prime airports, ensuring fair access.
Currently, only one Nigerian carrier operates flights to the United Kingdom, highlighting the need for equitable treatment. In return, UK authorities should allocate Terminal Four, not even Terminal Three, to reflect this balance. While their airlines receive access to Lagos Airport, our most prime location, we are pushed toward London Gatwick, a less favorable option,” Mshelia stated.
Olumide Ohunayo, General Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table, highlighted that Festus Keyamo has consistently prioritized Nigerian interests. “Like the Americans would say ‘America first,’ Keyamo has been able to push Nigeria first in all actions. His strong advocacy for Nigerian airlines has shown a focus on placing them at the forefront in the market. He has exhibited significant efforts to ensure Nigerian airlines participate, creating positive energy within the aviation industry. This approach helps airlines realize they are not alone, gaining support and recognition from the government. For the first time, we have a minister who protects a designated carrier on any foreign route. That commitment to protecting Nigerian airlines, I give to him.”
Creating a Level Playing Field
One of Keyamo’s primary goals is creating a competitive environment for Nigerian airlines. He believes they should compete equally with international counterparts. Hence, on December 13, 2023, Keyamo assured Boeing and Aercap of asset protection, to enable Nigerian carriers to access dry leases.
Keyamo emphasized that global airlines thrive through partnerships with lessors, which include dry leasing and other forms of aircraft financing. Unfortunately, these opportunities have excluded Nigerian airlines. International lessors cite Nigeria’s non-compliance with the Cape Town Convention as a reason for this exclusion.
To address this, on April 8, 2024, Keyamo authorized international creditors and lessors under the Cape Town Convention to reclaim aircraft in case of lease default. He also hinted at collaboration with Nigeria’s attorney general, chief judge, and chief justice to strengthen airline support.
Furthermore, Keyamo revealed that Nigeria is developing a practice direction to align with Aviation Working Group standards.
He also highlighted legal provisions that enable lessors to repossess aircraft in Nigeria. “Lessors should apply to the NCAA for repossession approval within five days or seek court approval within ten days.” This move aims to restore confidence among lessors, encouraging them to lease aircraft to Nigerian airlines.
The Fight Against Illegal Charters
Keyamo is determined to combat illegal charters, drug trafficking, and revenue loss in Nigeria’s aviation sector. He established an 8-man task force that has already submitted a report identifying high-net-worth individuals and foreign-registered aircraft involved in illegal activities. Investigations continue, but Keyamo’s bold steps have gained recognition.
Captain Mshelia further commended Keyamo’s actions, stating, “The minister’s courage in tackling illegal charters is unmatched.” Though Keyamo has made occasional missteps, Mshelia attributed these to his advisers, noting that the minister has shown boldness and performed well overall.
Improving Aviation Infrastructure
Keyamo began improving airport infrastructure by directing the move from the old Murtala Muhammed International Airport terminal to a new Chinese-built terminal. This new terminal alleviated the capacity strain of the old one. In January, Keyamo took an audacious step by ordering the relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters back to Lagos from Abuja.
While stakeholders commend this move, they suggest relocating the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as well. NAMA’s headquarters remains in Lagos, but the agency operates from a rented apartment in Abuja, adding unnecessary costs.
Additionally, domestic and foreign airlines faced an 11-month burden due to the closure of the Lagos airport’s 18R/36L runway for maintenance. Keyamo ensured the runway’s timely completion, minimizing disruptions.
As part of his safety efforts, Keyamo secured federal approval to procure modern scanners for five international airports across Nigeria. These scanners will replace manual baggage searches, improving safety and reducing passenger complaints.
In his first stakeholders meeting in Lagos, Keyamo directed Acting Director General, Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, on launching a public portal. This directive led to the consumer protection portal, streamlining the resolution of passenger complaints across Nigeria’s aviation industry. Currently, 260 CPOs across all Nigerian airports are undergoing training on the portal to ensure effective usage. Additionally, the portal will facilitate data collation, which is crucial for planning and executing industry strategies. Najomo emphasized, “The portal will ensure transparency by onboarding all airlines, allowing real-time tracking of complaints and resolutions.” Passengers can now view the number of complaints sent to each airline and monitor the resolution process.
Regarding the NCAA’s digitization efforts, Najomo highlighted those approvals, licenses, and recertifications will now be processed digitally. This new portal aims to streamline these procedures, improving efficiency across the aviation sector. Najomo also confirmed that NCAA has made significant progress in digitizing its operations for enhanced service delivery.
He noted, “We started the EMPIC process two years ago and have completed training on this digital transformation.”
EMPIC provides a safer and more efficient aviation sector by offering Safety Oversight Management Software specifically developed for aviation regulators.
NCAA is deploying EMPIC to improve safety oversight management processes, ensuring fast, accurate service delivery for airlines and training institutions.”
Meanwhile, Frank Oruye, a United States-based Aviation Expert, said the Minister has brought in a more transparent approach to the dealings of the Ministry. He commended Keyamo’s facilitation of NiMet’s staff 45 months owed minimum wage. He further appealed to the Minister to attend to the cries of the defunct Nigeria Airways staff and pensioners.
“The negotiated severance packages to the staff (Nigeria Airways) at liquidation as well as the placement of existing pensioners on the monthly payroll are matters awaiting his input for the final approval of the President,” Oruye added.
Advice for the Future
The ART Secretary-General has advised the Minister to reduce interference and limit his international travels. Ohunayo said, “There is a pressing need to reduce interference in airline operations. Recently, two decisions seemed out of place: the grounding of Dana Air and the temporary grounding of some Arik aircraft, even while passengers were onboard. Keyamo should use the next year to collaborate with industry players and assess his performance.”
“He has made strides in some areas, but he needs to improve in others. Additionally, reducing international travel could be beneficial; attending every event abroad, even under the guise of invitations, may not be productive. For example, traveling to Finland to review a contract for the second runway in Abuja seems excessive. Keyamo should focus on attracting more airlines and aircraft to the country and maintaining our high safety standards while protecting passengers,” Ohunayo advised.
Oruye also advised Keyamo to appoint a board of directors for aviation agencies. He praised the minister for setting up governing councils for the Aviation University and NCAT, Zaria, and encouraged him to extend this effort to other aviation agencies.
Stakeholders believe Keyamo has a strong chance of success where others repeatedly squandered opportunities in the past. They encourage him to follow sound advice and avoid sycophants who may attempt to derail his efforts. Additionally, by listening to and implementing good advice, he can leave a lasting impact.
