20 takeaways from Festus Keyamo’s ministerial press briefing
- The five pillars of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development are:
a. Ensure strict compliance with safety regulations
b. Support local airline businesses
c. Improvement of infrastructure
d. Development of human capacity
e. Optimizing revenue generation - The Ministry has helped facilitate a mending of Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with the UAE, including the signing of a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). Emirates Airlines is now back servicing Nigeria, since Oct 1 last year; and has also entered into a code-sharing agreement with Air Peace.
- The new Africa Aviation and Aerospace University in Abuja — the newest agency under the Ministry — has now commenced full academic activities.
- The Minister has resolved a protracted land dispute that had stalled the construction of the Abuja Second Runway for over a year; this success has enabled contractors to commence work.
- Alongside the new Second Runway, infrastructural upgrades also ongoing at aviation facilities nationwide (expansion of apron in Lagos; runway resurfacing in Lagos; dedicated power line at Enugu Airport; airfield lighting for Runway 18R in Lagos.
- Successful collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria to resolve a longstanding issue of trapped airline funds, which has helped boost foreign airlines confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
- Secured reciprocal operating rights for Air Peace on the UK-Nigeria route, breaking a longstanding monopoly, fostering competition and reducing airfares.
- Facilitated the replacement of the defunct Italian flag carrier, Alitalia, with Neos SPA Airlines, which has now commenced direct flight services from Milan to Lagos.
- Facilitated implementation of US-Nigeria Open Skies Agreement, opening new opportunities for local airlines to operate on the Nigeria-U.S. route.
- Initiated the Fly Nigeria Act – which will now go to the National Assembly for passage — to mandate prioritization of Nigerian flag carriers for government-funded travel, a bold move to support local airlines and stimulate economic growth.
- Inaugurated a Task Force to address illegal private charter operations, with its security and revenue implications. The Task Force has submitted its report, making far-reaching recommendations that will be implemented.
- Through a Public-Private Partnership, and collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), a remodeling of the Arrival Hall at Lagos International Airport’s Wing E has been completed. The next phase will now be a complete rehabilitation of the old Airport Terminal.
- Abuja and Port Harcourt Airports awarded by ACI Africa for outstanding dedication to emergency management and resilience, reflecting improved standards.
- The Ministry has successfully overseen the fulfilment of more than 130 vital regulatory compliance requirements by its agencies, demonstrating unwavering commitment to improving safety and quality standards.
- The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), one of the agencies under the Ministry, has been awarded the prestigious ISO 9001 certification (covering five international airports in Nigeria), as well as a SERVICOM Award of Excellence for Quality Service Delivery.
- MOU signed between the Federal Government and Boeing, covering operational areas (including aircraft acquisition, training, safety practices, etc)
- Preparation and Signing of Practice Direction for Cape Town Convention on dry-leasing of aircraft, and signing of the Administrative Rules governing aircraft repossession by creditors and lessors (known as the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization – IDERA) have led to the Aviation Working Group (co-chaired by Boeing and Airbus) adjusting the global compliance score/rating of Nigeria from 49.5% to 75.5% — the highest score in Africa.
- Issued directive to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) requiring international airlines to use local caterers for onboard meals. Airlines have since started complying.
- Upgraded the Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguri to a full-fledged International Airport, making it the first International Airport in the North-East.
- Commissioned the newly-installed e-Gates at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
