Keyamo Implements Reforms in Nigeria’s Aviation Sector

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has introduced several major reforms in the country’s aviation industry since assuming office in August 2023.

According a statement issued by the Assistant General Manager of FAAN Oyeyemi Okekunle Okewuyi at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Saturday, the reforms are aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing regulatory compliance, and boosting operational efficiency across the sector.

One of the key decisions highlighted was the relocation of FAAN’s headquarters from Abuja to Lagos. The move is intended to reduce administrative costs and align operations more closely with Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub.

Airport infrastructure has also seen significant upgrades. The second runway at the MMIA, which had been inactive for nearly a year, has been reactivated. Additionally, the Arrival Hall at the Lagos International Airport has undergone a facelift through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement to improve passenger experience.

The statement noted that Nigeria’s compliance with international aviation standards has improved under Keyamo’s leadership. The country’s compliance score reportedly increased from 49 per cent to 75.5 per cent following the signing of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA) and adherence to the Cape Town Convention. This led to Nigeria’s removal from the Aviation Working Group’s watchlist of non-compliant nations.

To resolve the longstanding issue of trapped airline funds, the minister collaborated with the Central Bank of Nigeria to clear a backlog exceeding \$800 million. The move has reportedly restored the confidence of international airlines, contributing to the planned return of Emirates Airlines to Nigeria.

In a further move to boost local technical capacity, Keyamo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing for the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria. The project is expected to reduce aircraft maintenance costs and provide employment for aviation professionals.

The ministry has also worked to renew and expand Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with other countries to increase international air connectivity, the statement said.

On the issue of human capital development, the Aerodrome Emergency Training School at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology was accredited for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting training. This measure is aimed at improving aviation safety standards.

FAAN also disclosed that Keyamo has received both national and international awards in recognition of his contributions to the sector. These include the Best Aviation Minister in Africa award by the Africa Airspace Watch Initiative and the 2024 Minister of the Year award from The Sun Newspapers.

Quoting data from the aviation ministry, Okekunle noted that the sector contributed approximately \$1.7 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during Keyamo’s tenure, attributed to increased private sector engagement and policy reforms.

The ministry indicated that additional initiatives are underway to sustain progress and further position Nigeria as a competitive player in global aviation.