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Tag: Festus Keyamo

  • Keyamo replies critics of Kwam 1 ‘Aviation security ambassador’

    Keyamo replies critics of Kwam 1 ‘Aviation security ambassador’

    Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has reacted to the outrage stirred following the decision of the federal government to pardon popular musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, also known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate over his unruly behaviour at the Abuja airport.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Keyamo via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter said it is a common practice all over the world to appoint an offender who has repented as an ambassador to preach against such actions, adding that it is not the first time such a thing has happened in Nigeria, and it won’t be the last time as well.

    The Minister stressed that contrary to what many Nigerians think, the ambassadorial announcement for KWAM 1 is not a prestigious position that comes with the perks of office, but rather a community service that is unpaid.

    He mentioned that Comfort Emmanson, who was also involved in another incident with airline operators following KWAM 1’s situation, is being considered for a similar role in the aviation industry. Keyamo concluded that, regardless of what some people may think, feel, or say, the government has been fair in addressing this matter.

    The Minister wrote: “For further clarification, it is common practice all over the world that a repentant offender is made to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented. It is akin to Community Service. It is not paid for and it is voluntary service.

    “Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some would assume that once you hear the word ‘Ambassador’ it is a big position that comes with the perquisites of office. No, it is not. It is for free. It is not the first time it is happening in Nigeria and it will not be the last . Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria.

    “Whilst the Aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), they are also looking at the option of using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse, as their own Ambassador for good passenger conduct. It is left for the AON to work out those details since she has been actually released from prison custody today based on my earlier statement.

    “Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all.”

  • Kwam 1 bags top appointment after NCAA petition to IGP

    Kwam 1 bags top appointment after NCAA petition to IGP

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the appointment of Fuji music star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol.

    Speaking in a statement on Wednesday, Keyamo, said the decision followed consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector and a review of recent incidents involving unruly passengers, including the cases of Kwam 1 and Comfort Emmanson.

    “Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public.

    “If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space,” Keyamo said.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the appointment is coming hours after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over his alleged misconduct aboard a ValueJet flight.

  • JUST IN: FG orders Ibom Air, AON to immediately withdraw sanctions against Comfort Emmanson

    JUST IN: FG orders Ibom Air, AON to immediately withdraw sanctions against Comfort Emmanson

    The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo on Wednesday directed Ibom Air to immediately withdraw it’s criminal complaint against unruly passenger, Comfort Emmanson.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that this was made known in a statement by the Minister via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter.

    Read full statement below:

    PRESS STATEMENT: DECISION TO WITHDRAW CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MS. COMFORT EMMANSON AND TO ADDRESS RELATED MATTERS

    1. In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent.

    2. Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.

    3. As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public. It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability.

    5. Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the following decisions have been reached:

    THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT EMMANSON

    (a) In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.

    (b) Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.

    (c) I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.

    THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1)

    (d) In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.

    (e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.

    (f) In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA.

    AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

    6. I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.

    7. The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.

    FINAL COMMENTS

    8. These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.

    9. We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.

    FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK)

    Wednesday, August 13, 2025

  • JUST IN: FG reacts as aviation unions shelve planned strike

    JUST IN: FG reacts as aviation unions shelve planned strike

    The Federal Government has confirmed that the planned strike by aviation unions, which was due to commence on Monday, has been suspended following its intervention.

    The union comprise of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE).

    The unions issued a joint statement announcing the suspension of the industrial action.

    Speaking on the development, Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, attributed the breakthrough to sustained engagement and mutual trust built over time with organised labour in the aviation sector.

    “Given my long relationship with labour unions, I have continued to work with our comrades to find lasting solutions to issues that have been pending in the sector long before we came to office. By showing absolute good faith, the issues would be resolved one by one,” the Minister stated.

    The intervention is expected to pave the way for further negotiations aimed at addressing the longstanding challenges in the aviation sector.

    Recall that the aviation union had earlier issued a notice to proceed with an industrial strike action from tomorrow.

    However, in a notice to all Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) staff, the unions said they have decided to defer the strike action pending the state of affairs on the subject matter at the end of August 2025.

    The notice reads:  “…we were compelled by unfavourable circumstances surrounding our quest for improved remuneration to reinforce our earlier notice of withdrawal of services to the effect of issuing a clear directive to commence the action on Monday, 11 August 2025.

    “Now, however, due to the hard work of the Management of NAMA and the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and other senior officials of the Ministry, we are happy to report that there have been some positive developments around the issue.

    “In this respect, we note the release of the ‘no objection’ letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission yesterday (7th August 2025), and the letter from the Management of NAMA to its staff to the effect of its strenuous efforts and expectations to ensure payment of the new remunerations along with August salaries.

    “Based on the above, and in order to demonstrate good faith, our unions have taken the decision to defer the strike action scheduled to commence on Monday, 11th August 2025, pending the state of affairs on the subject matter at the end of August 2025.

    “Accordingly, we enjoin all staff of NAMA to join us in keeping hopeful watch as the situation unfolds”.

  • Airports concession: What FG should do first – Aviation unions

    Airports concession: What FG should do first – Aviation unions

    Aviation unions on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to address labour-related issues before the take-off of the planned concession of airports across the country.

    The unions made the call during a joint congress at the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Lagos State.

    The unions are the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN).

    The National President of NUATE, Mr Ben Nnabue, said that the issues regarding labour unions in the industry had not been resolved.

    Nnabue said they want clarity on how their conditions of service will be affected by the concessioning process. He called on the federal government to cancel to carry union members along in the process.

    The unionist, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to stop the concession of Enugu Airport to allow for bidding from interested persons.

    “We have also requested that cherry picking the airport is not the best, because the value picked from one airport is used to better another airport.

    “The plane cannot rise from one airport and come back to that airport; there are other airports that the plane will go to that will make that airport viable.

    “We have to come back to the table and design a system that will work for Nigeria and not cherry-pick some good airports and concession them,” he said.

    According to Nnabue, Nigeria’s constitution is against handing over public property to one company in terms of monopoly.

    “Because if a particular consortium takes over the airport, it means that the airport will run on a monopoly.

    “Another issue is that any state government that is interested in the airport should, like Lagos, get another place and build their own airport,” he said.

    Nnabue urged workers to remain steadfast in the struggle and not lose hope.

    On his part, the President General of ANAP, Mr Adedayo Alale, called on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), to revisit the concession process to avert workers’ strike.

    Alale, while commending the management of FAAN, said that after any renovation, the airport should be handed over to FAAN.

    He said: “So, if the minister wants to do it in the right way, let there be national dailies advertisements for six months,” he said.

    The Treasurer of NUATE, Safiya Araga, urged workers to support the movement as done by unionists before them.

    Araga said there was a lot to lose if workers kept quiet with the recent issues in the industry.

    The unionists held a procession from the FAAN headquarters to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT).

    The workers carried various placards reading: “Say no to concession because it is to sack staff”; “Concession Committee to be driven by FAAN”; “Resolve FAAN pension issues now”; resolve labour issues before concession”.

    While the government, through FAAN, has urged dialogue and collaboration, the unions remain firm in their demands for a transparent and worker-inclusive concession process.

    The unions have emphasised that they were not entirely against concessioning but insist that the process must be fair and equitable to all stakeholders.

  • Tribute to Buhari, a thoroughbred patriot – By Festus Keyamo

    Tribute to Buhari, a thoroughbred patriot – By Festus Keyamo

    By Festus Keyamo

    The passing of late President Muhammadu Buhari has evoked  different emotions and reactions from the length and breadth of Nigeria  and even beyond. This is expectedly so because he was one of only  two persons in the history of our country who had the opportunity to  govern this country twice – first as Military Head of State and later as a  democratically-elected President whose actions and policies shaped  this country in many respects that affected and defined the lives and  destinies of millions of people. 

    However, one consensus in the midst of these different emotions,  opinions and reactions from friends, foes and associates alike is that  President Muhammadu Buhari served this country completely  unblemished. Whether you choose to judge him harshly or kindly, the  general consensus is that he embodied honesty and integrity in public  office.

    He was a President who led by example, who walked the talk, who inspired integrity, uncompromising transparency and  accountability in public office. He was a moral and ethical compass in  governance. He served this country with a good conscience, the fear  of God and extraordinary discipline.

    In my immediate reaction after his death, I wrote that “they don’t make them like him anymore; not  given to the primitive acquisition of unearned wealth, frugal in  living, austere in lifestyle, not inclined to showboating and  incredibly honest to the core”. 

    The notion of his transparency and honesty was not just a flash in a  pan; he was trusted and tested over time because he served at  different levels and in different capacities. He was a Platoon  Commander, a Commanding Officer, a Brigade Commander, a  General Officer Commanding (GOC), a Governor of the old North  Eastern Region, a Federal Commissioner, a Federal Minister,  Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), Military Head of State  and finally democratic President. Yet, he was NEVER found wanting  for once. 

    I was privileged to serve him in different capacities and I can attest to  his rear discipline. I was his Campaign Spokesperson in the 2019 Presidential Elections and then his Minister of State (In the Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs and later, Ministry of Labour and Employment). 

    From these vantage positions, I saw that he was a fierce stickler for  hierarchical order and discipline. The Buhari I know will NEVER, EVER  sacrifice hierarchical order and discipline on the altar of personal  relationships, family ties or friendships. Once a subordinate can no  longer work with a superior, no matter how close that subordinate was 

    to President Buhari, the subordinate would be sacrificed in order for  Government to function smoothly. There are several examples that I  know you all remember and as Minister of State, I enjoyed that support  from him.

    Only very few people in history have the grace and opportunity to  reinvent themselves at the highest level and to recraft their own  legacies.

    From the image of a no-nonsense and stern military dictator  of the 1980’s who truncated democracy and rode roughshod over the  Rule of Law, to the image of a frustrated serial election loser, and then  to the hero and symbol of Change and Hope that the nation chose to  defeat a behemoth ruling party and sitting President in 2015 for the  first time in our history and finally to the legacy of a sitting President  who presided over a peaceful, free and fair democratic process that produced his successor in office and peacefully handed over power – this is the stuff of which thrilling, fictional movies are made.

    That is why  for millions of people he was an enigma in life and an enigma in death.  He oscillated from one perception to the other extreme perception that  was diametrically different from the first. 

    At the end, we can conveniently say that President Muhammadu  Buhari ticked all the boxes that we can use to qualify a quintessential  patriot, a fine officer and an exceptional Statesman. 

    He came, he fought and he conquered. He has finished the course  and run a good race. 

    Goodbye Mai Gaskiya! 

    OLOROGUN FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Thursday, July 17, 2025

  • It would have been difficult for APC to defeat Oborevwori in 2027 – Keyamo

    It would have been difficult for APC to defeat Oborevwori in 2027 – Keyamo

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has said it would have been difficult for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to defeat Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2027 elections.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Keyamo said this when he welcomed Governor Oborevwori into APC on Sunday night, as the party leaders in Delta hailed his defection as a unifying force and a significant step toward long-term political stability in the State.

    Leading the high-powered delegation to Government House, Asaba, Keyamo said: “We are here today as one unit — the gatekeepers of the party in Delta State. Outside of this group, there is no APC in Delta”.

    He emphasized that any narrative suggesting otherwise should not be taken seriously, adding, “If anybody tells you otherwise, the person must be a comedian”.

    Keyamo, alongside three senators, the state’s sole APC House of Representatives member, and other senior figures, declared an unconditional and wholehearted welcome for Oborevwori, describing his defection as a “blessing to the party, the state, Mr. President, and the good people of Delta State.”

    According to the Minister, with Oborevwori’s entry into the APC, the party in Delta had achieved full consolidation.

    “There is no division after today. The APC is now blended as one in Delta State. We have wholeheartedly adopted your MORE Agenda, which aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

    Keyamo also praised Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructural achievements, particularly the construction of world-class flyovers in Warri and Effurun being handled by construction giant,Julius Berger.

    Sharing a personal observation, he recounted, “I touched my brother from the airport when I saw the flyovers, and I told him it would have been difficult to defeat Sheriff in 2027. Those are the kind of bridges you see in America, and they are now in Uvwie, courtesy of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.”

    He noted that the governor’s achievements would have made electoral defeat virtually impossible in 2027. “But now,” he added triumphantly, “the mission that was impossible is now within the APC, without the need for an electoral battle.”

    Looking ahead, Keyamo confidently predicted a smooth political future for the party in the state. “We are looking at 2031,” he said to cheers from party leaders.

    The event marked a significant turning point in Delta politics, as the APC, now reinforced by Oborevwori’s leadership and influence, positions itself strongly ahead of future elections in the state.

  • NiMet workers suspend strike

    NiMet workers suspend strike

    Workers of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Thursday in Abuja suspended their strike action until May 13 to enable the federal government intervene on their demands.

    Mr Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo revealed this in a statement on Thursday evening.

    According to Moshood, the strike was suspended at the end of a crucial meeting convened by the Minister with leaders of the aggrieved unions, including National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP).

    He said the workers agreed to suspend the strike action until May 13, to enable the federal government intervene on the issues raised.

    “Speaking after the meeting, Comrade Aba Ocheme, National Secretary of NUATE, confirmed the decision to suspend the strike,” he said

    Moshood said that Ocheme stressed that the strike was suspended in recognition of the Minister’s timely and sincere intervention.

    He said, Mr Alale Adedayo, ANAP National President, on his part noted that the unions decided to temporarily call off the strike while the process of resolution continued.

    Moshood recalled that, at the meeting, the Minister pledged his commitment to finding lasting solutions to their concerns.

    According to him, Keyamo said that he “will personally intervene through formal communications to both President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Finance, to fast-track the resolution of pressing financial concerns.

    He said the minister reiterated the importance of industrial harmony in the aviation sector and commended the union leaders for their maturity, patriotism, and willingness to dialogue in the national interest.

    Moshood recalled that the unions downed tools over a number unresolved grievances relating to poor working conditions, including salary relativity with other aviation agencies.
    He also identified non-implementation of the 2019 consequential adjustment to the national minimum wage.

     

  • Aviation Minister sheds light on Enugu airport closure

    Aviation Minister sheds light on Enugu airport closure

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo has provided more information on the closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Keyamo made clarifications on the closure of the airport after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced it on Saturday.

    The Aviation Minister confirmed that the closure is for two weeks, starting from April 22nd and that scheduled flight operations to Enugu will be diverted to other neighbouring airports.

    “We have been compelled to take this decision to close the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for two weeks starting from April 22nd, 2025, in order to carry out major repair works on it.

    “We sincerely apologise to Nigerians over this development as the airport is our major international gateway in the Southeastern part of Nigeria.

    TNG recalls that the Enugu airport runway was shut in August 2019 for one year and a contract for total rehabilitation was awarded.

    “I personally visited the airport some months after assuming office and expressed my total displeasure with the work done by the contractor,” Keyamo said.

    He added: “Unfortunately, when we came to office, we discovered that waterlogged part of the runway was not properly constructed to take care of the problem, leading to constant cracks and potholes on the runway.

    “These obviously put the lives of the travelling public at great risk. We have been carrying out constant palliative works on it, but the problem has not abated and the cracks on the runway are becoming craters”.

    Keyamo went further to say: “In the meantime, scheduled flight operations to Enugu will be diverted to other neighbouring airports.

    “We are going to work tirelessly to meet the timeline in order to mitigate the inconvenience this closure will cause the travelling public”.

  • PDP will fall in 2027 – Keyamo

    PDP will fall in 2027 – Keyamo

    Leaders of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday welcomed Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru into the party along with thousands of his supporters.

    The event, which took place at the Ughelli Kingdom Hall, had in attendance leaders and members of Delta APC, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN); Director, NEXIM Bank, Hon. Stella Okotete; Member Representing Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Waive; Chairman of Delta APC, Chief Omeni Sobotie; Chief Paulinus Akpeki; Hon. Halims Agoda; Delta APC founding leader, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; Godsday Orubebe; and Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, among others.

    Addressing the mammoth crowd, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru thanked members of the party and the College of Leaders for welcoming him back to the APC.

    He said: “I thank you for welcoming me back to this house. A special thank you to the Hon. Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN); State Chairman, Omeni Sobotie; Stella Okotete; and to all who have remained steadfast in the quest for good governance and the democratization of our state. This house is getting stronger and better.

    “I have come to join hands with the College of Leaders of Delta APC to continue from where we stopped, to give our all, and to ensure that one day, it will be said that when the APC took over Delta State, the lives of the people changed for the better.

    “I also thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his encouraging statement to the College of Leaders on Delta State during their recent visit to him. He (Tinubu) has assured us that he is with this body.”

    In his goodwill message, the Minister of Aviation, Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN), who welcomed Ogboru and his thousands of supporters, noted that they had always been part of the party.

    He said: “There is nowhere in politics where someone can stop people from joining a party. It is not done. You cannot close the door on people who want to join the party.”

    He frowned at the move by some individuals who, in an attempt to sabotage the event, made false announcements on a radio station claiming that the event had been canceled.

    “I have never seen this level of desperation in my entire life. Ogboru, who has won over 12 LGAs, Senate, and Assembly seats at the height of opposition in Delta State when PDP was PDP in Delta, did this without federal power or appointments. He is an authentic opposition leader. And come 2027, PDP will fall.”

    On her part, Director of NEXIM Bank, Stella Okotete, expressed joy at joining other leaders in welcoming Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru back to the party. She stated that Ogboru was betrayed by his own brother in 2019 due to his ambition for 2023, which, according to her, marked the beginning of the betrayal.

    “But thank God, Delta State APC is now stronger than ever before. It was a shame that we could only deliver 14% of the votes nationally. It was a poor outcome because some of us, who were critical stakeholders of the party, were shut out of the process. It was an ‘aide’ affair. But this time, we are going to win by a landslide for APC in Delta State, securing the governorship seat, three senatorial seats, House of Representatives seats, and Assembly seats.”

    Earlier, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, who officially presented Ogboru to the College of Leaders, described the ceremony as a historic moment for everyone present. He praised Ogboru as a remarkable political leader and a man who has seen it all.

    He said: “Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru’s return to APC is a significant milestone for the party. He brings with him a wealth of experience, wisdom, and an unyielding spirit that will undoubtedly propel our great party to new heights. We are excited to rally behind you. As we welcome everyone today, we call upon every member of our party to embrace unity.”