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Tag: Aviation

  • Keyamo challenges “aviation experts” to debate

    Keyamo challenges “aviation experts” to debate

    Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has challenged “so-called aviation experts” to a debate.

    He made the call through his “X” handle while speaking on aircraft leasing as a factor that boosts local operators in the aviation industry.

    “Aircraft leasing (in particular, dry leasing) is one factor that will help boost the business of local operators in our Airline industry. No airline company in the world or even any Government for that matter can afford to purchase its fleet of aircraft one hundred percent. The biggest airlines in the world depend on dry leasing in particular. One other factor, amongst others, is the establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities within the country. We are currently wooing investors in this regard.” Keyamo noted.

    Keyamo stated that, these so-called Aviation experts have failed to do anything over the years to help revive the industry, but are suddenly speaking like they hold a ‘magic wand’ to turn the industry around, when in fact they are speaking for some interests who think the Aviation industry in Nigeria is their birthright.

    He added that, he is determined to go far and near to woo Aircraft Leasing Companies and Aircraft Manufacturers to come to Nigerians aid. Adding that there is no shame in doing so now since the country lacks capacity to produce her own aircraft or to purchase them.

    He concluded by noting that as they continue to woo aircraft manufacturers to invest in Nigerian business, Nigerians should expect more videos of them introducing these manufacturers and their products.

  • Aviation experts express divergent views over relocation of FAAN HQ

    Aviation experts express divergent views over relocation of FAAN HQ

    Some aviation stakeholders have expressed divergent views over the directive to relocate the corporate headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos.

    The stakeholders bared their minds in separate interviews on Friday in Abuja.

    Recall Mr Festus Kayamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, recently gave the order for the relocation of FAAN headquarters to Lagos.

    He said the move was meant to stop the waste of public resources and rip-off on the public purse in the course of running the agency.

    However, Capt. John Ojikutu, the Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Security and Safety Consults, said the relocation of FAAN headquarters was not really necessary.

    “FAAN headquarters can be anywhere in the country to carry out oversight functions of all the airports under its responsibility.

    “It does not matter whether the headquarters is in Kano, Kaduna, Owerri, or anywhere for it to do its oversight of the airports under its responsibility,” he told NAN.

    Also speaking, Mr Abdulmalik Jibril, the Abuja Station Manager of Aero Contractors of Nigeria Limited, said the FAAN headquarters ought to be in Abuja for adequate monitoring by the supervising ministry.

    He said that almost all other agencies have their headquarters in Abuja for supervisory reasons, noting that moving FAAN to Lagos would adversely affect its operations.

    “My take is that FAAN corporate headquarters or any other parastatal should be at the capital city Abuja for adequate monitoring by the supervision ministry.

    “If this should be allowed to happen now, may be in the next four or eight years, the next president might return the headquarters to Abuja and then that could result to waste of taxpayers’ money.

    On his part, Mr Hector Naadi, President of Joint Consultative and Negotiating Council (JCNC), told NAN that relocating FAAN headquarters to Lagos was welcome provided the government could justify it.

    “If the directive is in the best interest of the nation, I have nothing against it.

    “It is an unambiguous prerogative of the Management and government to situate the office in locations they deem fit and conducive’’, he said.

    Also, Mr Idowu Adesola, President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) told NAN that the relocation of FAAN headquarters to Lagos was the best decision taken by the Federal Government.

    According to Adesola, Lagos is where major aviation activities are happening in terms of huge revenue generation.

    Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, in a statement, said that the relocation of FAAN corporate headquarters from Abuja to Lagos was to reduce expenditures.

    She said the government took the decision after consulting with relevant stakeholders in the aviation sector.

  • 2024: Festus Keyamo assures on aviation safety

    2024: Festus Keyamo assures on aviation safety

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has reiterated his commitment to ensuring highest standards of safety, efficiency, and reliability for air travelers, airlines, and all stakeholders.

    Mr Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday, made available to journalists in Lagos

    He said that the minister’s stance projected the promising outlook for 2024.

    Moshood said that the minister was committed to strict adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) minimal standards and safety, while promising enabling environment for growth.

    He thanked the aviation community for 2023’s collaboration, and partnership in 2024, while assuring operators in the industry of protection.

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, extends its sincere gratitude to the entire aviation community for their resilience and collaboration throughout the past year.

    “In a bid to reinforce the industry’s global standing, the Honourable Minister reassures all parties of his unwavering dedication to strict adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) minimal standards.

    “One of the cornerstones of this commitment is the protection of operators within the industry.

    “The office of the Minister emphasises its role as a facilitator, working collaboratively with airlines, service providers, and other stakeholders to create an environment conducive to growth and sustainability.”

    He said that the minister affirmed his stance on non-interference in safety standards.

    “Recognising the paramount importance of maintaining and elevating safety protocols, he pledges to uphold and support the decisions of aviation regulatory bodies, ensuring that safety remains top priority.

    “As we embark on a new year, the Nigerian aviation industry welcomes all air travelers, airlines, and organisations with open arms.

    “Together, we look forward to a future where safety, innovation, and collaboration define our shared journey,” he said.

  • Tinubu sacks, replaces heads of agencies in aviation sector

    Tinubu sacks, replaces heads of agencies in aviation sector

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday approved new appointments in the Aviation and Aerospace Development sector of the economy.

    His media aide, Mr Ajuri Ngelale stated that the appointments were part of the president’s determination to bring Nigeria’s civil aviation to world class standards for the wellbeing of fliers and of stakeholders.

    While some heads of agencies in the sector were replaced, one was suspended and awaiting investigation by the EFCC.

    In the new arrangement, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku replaces Mr Kabir Mohammed as Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

    Mr Umar Farouk replaced Mr Tayib Odunowo as Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

    Mr Alex Badeh Jr. takes over from Mr Akinola Olateru as the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency now has Prof. Charles Anosike as its Director-General. He takes over from Prof. Mansur Matazu.

    The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Alkali Modibbo hands over to Mr Joseph Imalighwe as the Acting Rector.

    Imalighwe’s appointment is pending the appointment of a substantive rector in accordance with the NCAT Act (2022).

    The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu was suspended from office to enable the EFCC to conduct an unfettered investigation into his activities as director-general.

    Other senior officials of the NCAA are also to be investigated by the EFCC.

    Nuhu was replaced by Capt. Chris Najomo as the acting Director-General.

    The president also approved diligent process by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to recruit a substantive vice-chancellor and other principal officers for the Abuja-based African Aviation and Aerospace University.

    Tinubu anticipates that the new leadership across the aviation sector will uphold the safety, convenience, and comfort of the Nigerian people as primary and sacrosanct in all of their administrative activities.

    Ngelale stated that because of the cost of underperformance in the sector, the president demanded immediate establishment of world-class policy design, implementation, and regulatory framework to reposition aviation to align with his “Renewed Hope’’ agenda.

    He added that all of the president’s directives took immediate effect.

  • Presidential Amnesty Programme trains first batch of pilots, aircraft engineers

    Presidential Amnesty Programme trains first batch of pilots, aircraft engineers

    Twenty Aircraft Maintenance Engineers have graduated from the Aviation Training Programme, organised by the the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

    The beneficiaries are part of the 75 Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers under the PAP Aviation Resuscitation Programme for ex-agitators from the Niger Delta.

    Speaking on Monday in Lagos at the graduation of the trainees, Retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, the Interim Administrator, PAP, stated that the initiatives deployed by the PAP were designed to improve the lives of young people.

    He said the training was critical to the supply of manpower globally in strategic industries and trade sectors.

    Ndiomu was represented by Wilfred Musa, PAP’s Head of Reintegration.

    He recalled that his administration decided to throw its weight behind the Aviation Resuscitation Programme, given the enormous opportunities that abound in the aviation industry and its relevance in building human capacity.

    Ndiomu said that the programme had a global relevance.

    “By the time you all get jobs within the aviation industry, whether locally or internationally, you will earn a decent living and access robust knowledge.

    “This will also enable you to become a part of a global network which will in turn empower you to add value to your families, communities, and ultimately to Niger Delta,” he said.

    He said that aviation training might be very expensive but there was no amount that was too much to invest in the capacity development of a Niger Deltan.

    In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Leadstream Aviation Training Limited, Roland Ahmed, commended the Presidential Amnesty Office for not giving up on the Aviation delegates.

    He added that the PAP, by reason of this investment, had become a strategic supplier of critical manpower to the fastest growing global industry.

    Ahmed said that the successful 20 aircraft maintenance engineers would now proceed on a 12-month on-the-job-training (OJT) after which they would be licensed and type rated.

    “The OJT experience has been fully funded by the PAP,” he said.

  • Efficient air transport contributes to economic growth and development – Keyamo

    Efficient air transport contributes to economic growth and development – Keyamo

    Festus Keyamo, the Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has noted that an efficient air transport system contributes to economic growth and development.

    He made this known in a goodwill message, delivered at a webinar with the theme ‘Repositioning the Aviation Sector for Revenue Generation and Growth: The Role of Legislation,’ adding that the aviation sector is more than just an industry; it serves as a vital lifeline connecting nations, enabling trade, fostering tourism, and driving economic growth.

    According to the Minister, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that the aviation sector contributed approximately 117 billion Naira, or 4%, to the national GDP in the first quarter of 2022. It also supports around 200,000 jobs and pays about 8.5 billion Naira in taxes annually. This is an impressive feat, and we are committed to enhancing these achievements by aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

    His statement reads: “I am delighted to be invited to give a goodwill message today at this significant webinar on “Repositioning the Aviation Sector for Revenue Generation and Growth”. It is a privilege to address this distinguished gathering of industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders who share a common vision for the future of aviation in Nigeria and of course, Africa.

    2. I will begin by saluting the commitment, initiative and drive of the law firm of Messrs Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL) for organizing this webinar event and most importantly for creating an advocacy platform where contemporary National issues are x-rayed and relevant policy input harvested for National growth.

    3. Our aviation sector is not just an industry; it’s a vital lifeline connecting nations, enabling trade, fostering tourism, and driving economic growth. The theme of this webinar aptly addresses one of the priority areas of the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Repositioning the Aviation sector for revenue generation and Growth: Role of Legislation” is apt and timely especially now that discussions are taking place in number of fora on how best to use public policy to harness National potentials for growth and development, most especially in the Aviation Industry in Nigeria.

    4. Indeed, an efficient air transport contributes to economic growth and development. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Aviation Sector has contributed about 117 billion Naira which is 4% to the National GDP in the first quarter of 2022; it supports about 200,000 jobs and pays about 8.5 billion Niara in tax annually. It is a feat and we are committed to upscaling the achievement by latching on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

    5. As a Ministry, our mandate amongst others, is the formulation and management of the Government’s Aviation policies, overseeing of air transportation, airport development and maintenance, provision of aviation infrastructural services and other needs. To achieve the mandate, the Ministry developed an Aviation Road Master Plan which clearly defines what we need to do to achieve our objectives. It is also instructive to state that upon assumption of office, I have reviewed the progress made so far vis-a vis the existing gaps. Accordingly, we are already looking at focus areas which are encapsulated in a five-point agenda namely:
    • Strict Compliance with national laws and regulations; and international obligations.
    • Improvement and Development of Infrastructure for Passenger Convenience.
    • Support for the growth and sustenance of Local Airline Businesses.
    • Human Capacity Development and;
    • Optimization of Revenue Generation,

    6. As the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I am deeply committed to these agenda. In these challenging times, characterized by evolving market dynamics and global uncertainties, the need to reposition our aviation sector for sustainable growth has never been more pressing. It requires vision, resilience, finances, and collaboration.

    7. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the Nigerian Aviation Industry is going through a new round of transformation and adjustment. To actualize the 5-point Agenda for the growth of the Nigerian Aviation value chain, the Ministry is looking forward to a new phase of partnership and collaboration, by leveraging the immense opportunities in the sector to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Joint-Venture Partnerships with heads of international economic organizations, presidents of transnational corporations and principals of leading privately-owned enterprises.

    8. Legislation provides the overarching framework within which the aviation sector operates. It is the bedrock upon which we build our vision for the industry’s future. Thus, it is incumbent upon our legislators to draft policies that promote growth, encourage investment, and ensure safety and security. The aviation sector is, first and foremost, a safety and security-critical industry. We ensure, through Legislation, that mandatory safety standards provided by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) are incorporated in our national laws. As such, the role of legislation and indeed legislators in Nigeria’s aviation sector is critical for the development, regulation, and growth of the aviation industry in the country. Legislators (comprising the Senate and House of Representatives) of the National Assembly, play various roles to ensure the sector operates efficiently and contributes to Nigeria’s economic development. They have the authority to allocate budgets and approve funding for aviation projects, including airport construction and maintenance, procurement of equipment, and safety enhancements. Ensuring adequate funding is crucial for the sector’s growth and development. Legislators also provide oversight by monitoring the implementation of aviation policies and ensuring that both the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), adhere to regulations and carry out their functions effectively.

    9. ​As the representatives of the people, the legislators hold a unique position in this partnership to ensure that our aviation sector, amongst other sectors reaches its full potential. Repositioning the aviation sector for revenue generation and growth is a collective endeavour, requiring a harmonious partnership between the executive, legislature, and indeed private sector stakeholders. Nigeria is signatory to about 29 (Twenty-Nine) International Aviation Treaties and Conventions. Ratifying these international Treaties and Conventions are made possible through legislation. Legislators play a role in ratifying these agreements, and ensuring that they are domesticated in our national laws, which in effect have significant impacts on international air travel and trade and that Nigeria upholds its international obligations therein. We must remember also that a safe and efficient aviation sector is not just an economic imperative but a moral obligation to the millions of passengers who trust our skies every day.

    10. ​At this juncture, I wish to encourage the Nigerian private sector to deepen their collaboration with the Ministry for the growth of the Nigerian Aviation Industry. I am optimistic that stakeholders participating in today’s webinar session will build on their enviable track records to come up with appropriate strategies for Repositioning the Aviation sector for revenue generation and Growth through the instrumentality of legislation. As a government, we are committed to initiatives and policy inputs that will stimulate investment across the Aviation value chain.

    11. ​I am confident that this webinar will serve as a catalyst for transformative change in the sector and I look forward to the outcomes that will emerge from it, as we work together to reposition the aviation sector for a future filled with promise and prosperity.

    12. ​​On this note, I wish you a fruitful session and I thank you all for your time.”

  • NLC warning strike: Banks, Aviation, Electricity Workers, others shut services

    NLC warning strike: Banks, Aviation, Electricity Workers, others shut services

    Following the two days warning strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Banks, electricity and aviation workers, and other sectors of the Nigerian economy have shut their doors against customers in compliance with the two days warning strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    Checks in many Banks in Lagos and Abuja show that customers are not allowed into the banking hall. This also affects other sectors, including Insurance, Aviation, Electricity companies, federal secretariat in Abuja, and others.

    The strike followed the decision of NLC to boycott the meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, to avert the two-day warning strike.

    This is just as affiliate unions of the NLC, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, among others have, in a joint circular, directed all stakeholders in the aviation sector to comply with the NLC’s directive to join the strike.

    The NLC had last Friday issued the two-day warning strike notice over current hardship caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.

    Only the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) led by its President Festus Osifo attended the meeting with government officials.

    Before the evening meeting went into a closed-door session, Osifo said the TUC leadership would continue to engage with the federal government to ensure that its demands are addressed.

    He said, “In the palliatives that were rolled out, we’ve not seen anything put in place for federal workers. We need a wage award. The palliatives rolled out by the government are not far – reaching. We believe that the government can do much more.”

    In a communique released on Monday by the TUC at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday, the TUC said some of the steps taken by the government to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on workers were welcomed.

    It urged the government to increase the amount provided for palliatives as the N5bn given to each state was “grossly inadequate.”

    “That palliatives in themselves do not solve the long term challenges or hardship faced by the people, such long lasting programmes and initiatives should be evolved that will properly address the sufferings of the people in the long term,” the communique read in part.

    Lalong said the government set a two-week timeline on wage award, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers to “cushion the pains and anguish they are going through as a result of subsidy removal,” as put forward by the TUC.

    The minister said: “We agreed that there should be no strike within the two week period while we’re doing our deliberations and working towards realising some of these objectives.”

    Earlier at a press briefing, Lalong had appealed to the labour to prevail on all its affiliate unions to suspend their planned strike.

    He said the government would neither take workers for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding.

    “We shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy as well as look into immediate challenges that have emerged from the policies of the government. We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.”

  • Tinubu did not send me here by mistake – Keyamo tells ministry staff

    Tinubu did not send me here by mistake – Keyamo tells ministry staff

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not mistakenly appoint him to head the ministry, urging the cooperation of all members of staff to work harmoniously together toward advancing the ministry.

    According to him, the effective collaboration with the staff will enhance maximum output.

    “Thank you for the warm welcome. The  President did not send me here by mistake. I think he has clear ideas as why he sent me here. I will need your maximum cooperation to make us succeed.

    “ I have read your roadmap development in 2016,  read it thoroughly, point for point. Our intension is not to disrupt things that have been done so well. Government is a continuum.

    “If there are things that have not been done properly within the road map, we may look at them again, “ he said.

    The minister, however, said he might add to the roadmap but not to pull down the roadmap or tear it down  to start over again.

    Keyamo, who said he liked the aviation roadmap structure, stated that he would like to know the stage of its objectives and  achievements.

    “Like I said, government is a  continuum, it is the same party that is in power. There are things that have been done properly well. There are things that have not been done properly well.

    “Things that are still in the pipeline, we will look at all of these. My intention is to get my briefings within the few days or weeks. We will do this thoroughly as we can.

    “We will develop our ideals and take it to the President for approval so that we can kick off. That is what I intend to do here,“ the minister said.

    Keyamo said his watch word would be transparency in the ministry.

    He said Nigerians, at any point, wanted to understand what the ministry was doing.

    “For me, my watch word will be transparency here. At every point in time, the Nigerian people want to  understand what we are doing. Nothing will be done in secrecy.

    “They must understand what we are doing. We must carry them along so that we will not have the kind of complaints we had in the past.

    “We should be as open as possible because we are serving the Nigerian people. My history is people oriented from private practice to public office, “ he said.

    Keyamo recalled that he was more than one decade prosecutor for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    According to him, things from the more complex issues to the simplest issues that Nigerians want to see, the complaints they have, the part of the optics they see every day about the ministry will be looked into.

    “Nigerians may not know the work you have been doing behind especially in terms of safety of passengers in the  aviation environment. But, they may appreciate few things they see.

    “We will look at all these to see how we can improve on them. For every point in time we must put the people first.  This is not a forum I can mention all the things I noticed in your roadmap.

    “We will have our briefings as soon as possible. We may work late to achieve our objectives. I beg for your cooperation, because I need you   to succeed, “ he said.

    Responding, Dr Emamanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,  described Keyamo as a  result and target oriented leader for having the  aviation roadmap as his vision.

    According to him, the  members of  staff are ready to work with Keyamo to position  the aviation sector to where it is supposed to be.

    “The good thing about our members of  staff is when you lead we follow.

    “ This gives us hope that what we will start doing in the aviation sector, we shall conclude them. We also have some litigation issues which you will also help us to bring into conclusion.

    “Since you are in the right direction, we are hopeful to follow you in that way. I pledge our loyalty. We hope you will achieve the results in the ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, “he said.

  • What Omo-Agege said on Keyamo becoming Aviation Minister

    What Omo-Agege said on Keyamo becoming Aviation Minister

    Former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate has reacted over the appointment of Mr Festus Keyamo as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Keyamo was among the 45 Ministers who took the oath of office on Monday.

    At the ministerial inauguration reception ceremony, Omo-Agege was among the plethora of guests in attendance.

    “Olorogun Festus Keyamo, stepping into a new position is an exciting feat, and I’m delighted you have this opportunity.

    “Knowing you, you’ll shine more in this new role than you already do. Congratulations on your new appointment.

    “I also want to in a very special way thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for finding one of our own worthy to serve in the Federal Executive Council (FEC),” the former Deputy Senate President stated.

    Keyamo demands staff cooperation to advance aviation industry

    Meanwhile, Keyamo has pleaded for the cooperation of all members of staff to work harmoniously together toward advancing the ministry.

    According to him, effective collaboration with the staff will enhance maximum output.

    “Thank you for the warm welcome. The  President did not send me here by mistake. I think he has clear ideas as to why he sent me here. I will need your maximum cooperation to make us succeed.

    “ I have read your roadmap developed in 2016, read it thoroughly, point for point. Our intension is not to disrupt things that have been done so well. Government is a continuum.

    “If there are things that have not been done properly within the road map, we may look at them again, “ he said.

    The minister, however, said he might add to the roadmap but not to pull down the roadmap or tear it down  to start over again.

    Keyamo , who said he liked the aviation roadmap structure, stated that he would like to know the stage of its objectives and  achievements.

    “Like I said, government is a  continuum, it is the same party that is in power. There are things that have been done properly well. There are things that have not been done properly well.

    “Things that are still in the pipeline, we will look at all of these. My intention is to get my briefings within the few days or weeks. We will do this thoroughly as we can.

    “ We will develop our ideals and take it to the President for approval so that we can kick off. That is what I intend to do here,“ the minister said.

    Keyamo said his watch word would be transparency in the ministry.

    He said Nigerians, at any point, wanted to understand what the ministry was doing.

    “For me, my watch word will be transparency here. At every point in time, the Nigerian people want to  understand what we are doing. Nothing will be done in secrecy.

    “They must understand what we are doing. We must carry them along so that we will not have the kind of complaints we had in the past.

    “We should be as open as possible because we are serving the Nigerian people. My history is people oriented from private practice to public office, “ he said.

    Keyamo recalled that he was more than one decade prosecutor for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    According to him, things from the more complex issues to the simplest issues that Nigerians want to see, the complaints they have, the part of the optics they see every day about the ministry will be looked into.

    “Nigerians may not know the work you have been doing behind especially in terms of safety of passengers in the  aviation environment. But, they may appreciate few things they see.

    “We will look at all these to see how we can improve on them. For every point in time we must put the people first.  This is not a forum I can mention all the things I noticed in your roadmap.

    “We will have our briefings as soon as possible. We may work late to achieve our objectives. I beg for your cooperation, because I need you   to succeed, “ he said.

    Responding,  Dr Emamanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,  described Keyamo as a  result and target oriented leader for having the  aviation roadmap as his vision.

    According to him, the  members of  staff are ready to work with Keyamo  to position  the aviation sector to where it is supposed to be.

    “The good thing about our members of  staff is when you lead we follow.

    “ This gives us hope that what we will start doing in the aviation sector, we shall conclude them. We also have some litigation issues which you will also help us to bring into conclusion.

    “Since you are in the right direction, we are hopeful to follow you in that way. I pledge our loyalty. We hope you will achieve the results in the ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, “he said.

  • Nigeria booking volume crashes by 35% in June – Report

    Nigeria booking volume crashes by 35% in June – Report

    Booking volume among Nigerian travellers has dropped by 35 percent as at June 2023 to 254,083 when compared to the same period in 2022.

    According to the report presented by the immediate past president of Aviation Round Table (ART)’ Elder Gbenga Olowo at a meeting organised by the body with the theme: ‘Aviation Reset: Agenda for the New Dispensation,’ in Lagos last week, apart from January this year, Year-On-Year (YOY) has continued to decline.

    The statistics showed that in January 2022, the booking volume in Nigeria stood at 261,970, while it reached 373,237 in January 2023 which indicated 42 percent climb.

    Also, for February 2023, the YOY booking volume indicated that there was a two per cent decline with 298,276 figures when compared to the same period in 2022. In February 2022 YOY which stood at 303,669.

    For March 2023, the booking volume was 358,923, showing 12 percent decline when compared to 409,636 in the same period in 2022, while also for April 2023, the booking volume was 273,497 which was 337,447 in 2022. The April 2023 figure indicated 19 per cent decline when compared to the 2022 figure.

    For May 2023, booking volume in Nigeria was 311,083, while it was 366,997 in 2022. This equally showed 15 percent decline when compared to the same period in 2022.

    For June 2023, the figure was 254,083, compared to 388,037, which indicated a massive 35 percent decline in the YOY review.

    Besides, the total booking volume in 2023 as at June was 1,869,099, while it stood at 2,067,756 in the 2022 review.

    Regretting how Nigerian airlines remained small and highly fragmented in fleet size despite the population of the country and the high passenger volume, Olowo cited how Air Peace had 30 aircraft, Arik Air; 17, Max Air; 13, while Dana Air and Overland Airways had seven aircraft each in their fleet.

    According to the report, Ibom Air currently has seven aircraft, ValueJet; six, Azman and Rano Air; five aircraft each, United Nigeria Airlines; four and Green Africa Airways has three aircraft in its fleet.