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Tag: Festus Keyamo

  • Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo gives update on Nigeria Air project

    Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo gives update on Nigeria Air project

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo has disclosed the Nigeria Air project, had been suspended and a report submitted to President Bola Tinubu on the next line of action.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Keyamo disclosed this at the end of the Federal  Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday in Abuja.

    While stressing he would not want to pre-empt the decision of the president on the matter, the Aviation Minister, however, disclosed that various issues surrounding the deployment of the airline was appropriately tabled in the report to the president.

    Keyamo said at the right time Nigerian would be informed of the circumstances of the airline and when a new one would take off.

    Keyamo also said that the council ratified the Bilateral Air Service Agreement with the Republic of Guyana, which was signed since 2014.

    He said that the agreement would bring about lesser air travel time for passengers going to most European countries.

    Keyamo also disclosed that the Federal Government is to procure customised explosives and narcotic detection screening system with remote and dual view for five international airports to reduce the stress encountered by passengers.

    He  said that the contract was coming on the heels of the administration’s concern for the long delay and complaints by passengers using airports across the country.

    He said that the N3.28billion machines would be installed in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu Airports, adding that it has a completion period of 12 month from date of payment.

    “Since I came to office, we have been inundated with the harrowing experience that passengers go through at the airports  where they have to physically search their bags. You see various agencies lined-up and they will be dipping their hands into your bags.

    “We thought we should do something like you have the TSA in America where you have detection machines so when you pass your bags through their machines it detects explosives and any other thing and that’s the end of the search,’’ he said.

  • I will not tolerate blocking of access road to airports – Keyamo warns organized labour

    I will not tolerate blocking of access road to airports – Keyamo warns organized labour

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has issued out a strong warning to the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) against disrupting flight operations at airports.

    The lawyer cum Minister, issued out the warning at the ministerial retreat for permanent secretaries, directors, and heads of agencies of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development on Thursday in Effurun, Delta.

    According to him, he wouldn’t tolerate the blocking of access roads to the airport by labour leaders.

    Recall that labour leaders on Thursday morning blocked access roads to the Abuja Airport in protest over the maltreatment of Joe Ajaero, the NLC president.

  • Over 100 Airlines have gone under in Nig in last 25yrs – Aviation Minister, Keyamo laments

    Over 100 Airlines have gone under in Nig in last 25yrs – Aviation Minister, Keyamo laments

    …threatens to cancel some aviation contracts

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has lamented that no fewer than 100 airlines have gone under in Nigeria in the last 25 years.

    Speaking at the Aviation Industry Stakeholders’ Forum held in Lagos on Saturday, Keyamo decried the continuous collapsing of airlines in Nigeria adding that the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government would henceforth support the carriers.

    Keyamo, who threatened to cancel some contracts in the aviation sector that are not to the benefit of Nigerians, specifically mentioned that some contracts entered into by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) are obsolete and require reviews.

    The minister however said that the Federal Government would help the operators to grow, but emphasised that the airlines too must be ready to show seriousness about their operations.

    According to him, the essence of the stakeholders’ meeting was to receive inputs from professionals in the sector, stressing that their inputs would add value to the roadmap that the Industry would prioritise to make the aviation sector world class and meet the aspirations of Nigerians and all aviation stakeholders.

    “We should desist from game blame and focus on solving the problems in the industry,” the minister added.

  • FG threatens to invoke NCAA Act on airline operators over delayed, cancelled flights

    FG threatens to invoke NCAA Act on airline operators over delayed, cancelled flights

    The federal government has revealed intentions to invoke provisions of the Act establishing the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to compel airline operators in the country to start paying compensation for delayed and cancelled flights.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) made the disclosure on Monday while stressing that the FG would compel airlines to pay compensation for delayed and cancelled flights not caused by nature.

    “You have blamed the government and a few things we do. But I also want to say that it is not all the time that it is government. At times, you say you were waiting for passengers to finish passing through the screening machine.

    “At times, they have finished passing through screening machines. They wait in the lounge for five hours and you cancel your flight. So, you see, after some time, we will start implementing the provisions of the NCAA Act. You know, Nigerians don’t know there is compensation for delay.

    “If it is an act of God, you cannot pay. But if it is human fault, the NCAA Act says you will pay. So, for all airline operators, while I have praised and supported you, I will also support Nigerians. You will pay them. After some time, I will put my feet on the ground. Pay them when you delay, cancel their flight,” Keyamo said.

    TNG reports domestic airlines under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), on Monday, demanded that the FG should allow airline operators in the country to procure the requisite licence for the importation and distribution of aviation fuel, popularly called Jet A1.

    AON also asked the government to provide a dedicated support line for domestic airlines to access foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria in order to enable the carriers to meet their obligations to air travellers.

    They made the call during a courtesy visit on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development at his office in Abuja.

    The President, AON, Abdulmunaf Yunusa, said the purpose of the visit was to brief the minister about the challenges in the sector and proffer solutions, as well as congratulate him on his recent appointment as minister.

    He said, “There is an urgent need to facilitate the liberalisation, procurement and distribution of JetA1 nationwide and allow AON to procure requisite licence for product importation and distribution and also immediate review of all industry taxes, fees and charges to determine applicability in line with cost recovery model.”

    “We call on the Federal Government to establish and provide a dedicated support line for domestic airline operators to have unfettered access of foreign exchange through the Central Bank of Nigeria at the official I & E window in support of local and international transactions,” he stated.

    Responding, Keyamo said the challenge of forex had been lingering, but promised his guests that “the ministry will liaise with the CBN to see how operators can get forex at a single-digit interest rate of 1.5 to two per cent as requested.”

  • Minister of Aviation receives task force report on relocation of airlines from old terminal

    Minister of Aviation receives task force report on relocation of airlines from old terminal

    The honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, today, received the report of the Task force on the relocation of foreign airlines from the Old International Terminal to the new Terminal in his office.

    Keyamo, while receiving the report, thanked the members of the Task force for accepting to serve the Nation selflessly. He said the Lagos airport account for 60% of entry point and exit into Nigeria. He stated that of all the 5 international airports in Nigeria, the old Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International airport is in a state of disrepair and he is committed to ensure the overhaul of the terminal before the end of his administration.

    He recalled the fire incident of the 6th of September, 2023 which necessitated the hasty relocation of all airlines from the old terminal which generated public outcry as unfortunate assuring that adequate measures will be put in place to avert future occurrence of such incident.

    While assuring the Task force of the implementation of the recommendation as soon as possible, he directed that a meeting be held with the contractors handling the airport on issues of substandard equipment and the possibility of opening up other entry points into the airport including the expansion of their work schedule which is part of the PPP agreement.

    On the issue of a complete comprehensive plan for the airports, he said, having a Master plan will eradicate wastage and encourage concessioners making the airports a hub indeed. He noted that the Master plan will take into consideration the existing structures while renovation on the old terminal will not be disrupted.

    Speaking earlier, Team leader of the Task force, Engineer Hassan Musa, (Retired Permanent Secretary and ex-Director of the Dept. of Air Transport Management) while relating the expanded terms of reference of the Task force said part of the findings shows that the fire incident which necessitated the sudden movement of all airlines to Terminal 2 compounded the challenges that has been existing since operations in April 2022.

    He also said among other things that some equipment installed at Terminal 2 do not meet the international standard equipment for international airports noting also that there are no adequate entrance and exits to Terminal 2 to meet international standard requirements which the consequence could be disastrous.

  • CSU: Atiku should apologize to Tinubu over humiliation on academic records – Keyamo

    CSU: Atiku should apologize to Tinubu over humiliation on academic records – Keyamo

    Festus Keyamo the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has reacted to President Bola Tinubu’s academic results released by the Chicago State University, (CSU)

    Keyamo advised the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to apologize to Tinubu and Nigerians for the humiliation.

    The minister described Atiku’s journey to Chicago in a bid to expose Tinubu as a fruitless exercise and an oddysey in self-humiliation.

    The Senior lawyer made his position known on Tuesday morning via his official Platform X.

    According to Keyamo: “From the responses by Chicago State University, ATIKU’s journey to Chicago and back has been a journey to nowhere, a fruitless exercise and an odyssey in self-humiliation. President Tinubu and Nigerians deserve an unreserved apology from him.”

    ”It is now obvious that the loss of Atiku hurt him deeply more than all his previous losses put together; lashing out to hold on to every single straw that resembles a lifeline. This is bad for the health he should accept that this game is over” He said.

    CSU had released the academic records of Tinubu following an order of a Chicago court.

    In the result released, CSU confirmed it found three diplomas matching the certificate Tinubu presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, after a diligent search.

    Recall that Atiku obtained victory at the court in his fierce legal battle to probe into the academic qualification of Tinubu in the February 25 presidential poll.

    Tinubu had supplied certificates from the Chicago State University, CSU, to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to secure eligibility to participate in the election.

    A United States of America court on Saturday ordered CSU to release Tinubu’s academic records for verification and in support of Atiku’s petition challenging the result of the 2023 presidential poll.

    Justice Nancy Maldonado in a judgment dismissed the objection raised by Tinubu against Atiku’s request and expressly ordered that the CSU must submit the academic records to Atiku.

  • Aviation Minister seeks support of ICAO for Airport development plan in Nigeria

    Aviation Minister seeks support of ICAO for Airport development plan in Nigeria

    The Honourable Minister for Aviation and Aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, paid a recent visit to the headquarters of the United Nations Aviation Agency, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), in Montreal Canada, where he sought the support of these important international regulatory bodies, on the comprehensive civil aviation master plan and airports’ development plan in Nigeria.

    He was received by the ICAO Council President, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, the Secretary General, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar and Nigeria’s Representative on the ICAO Council, Engr. Ben Tukur.

    During the visit he met with African representatives in ICAO where he emphasied the need for African Nations to support and promote The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

    The SAATM is an initiative of the African Union (AU) to create a single unified air transport market in Africa to advance the liberalization of civil aviation in Africa.

    It also seeks to act as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration.

    Accompanying the Minister  on this trip are, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Tayib Odunowo.

  • 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.”

  • UAE Visa Ban: FG is working out details – Keyamo

    UAE Visa Ban: FG is working out details – Keyamo

    Following the lifting of the suspension  placed on Nigerian travellers by United Arab Emirate (UAE)the Federal Government of Nigeria has explained that it’s working out the details for activities to resume.

    Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,  disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the 7th African Aviation Summit in Abuja, a few days after the UAE lifted its month-long visa ban on Nigerian travellers.

    According to him, it was crucial for airlines operating between Nigeria and the UAE to have reciprocal rights as per the Bilateral Air Services Agreements.

    Continuing, he added that there was a need for balanced and fair treatment between the two countries.

    Keyamo noted: “We are working out the details. When two countries agree at the very top level, then of course all the government operatives will begin to work out the tiny details.

    “So, we are beginning to work out all the tiny details. I met with Emirate before I left UAE, I met with Etihad before I left UAE and we are working out the details.

    “The time frame, we cannot say the time frame. Kicking off an airline operation again on a route, it is not that you will go and grab one empty plane sitting in a place.

    “There is no idle plane sitting anywhere, they have to reschedule their flights, restart their routes again, and all kinds of things. All kinds of permission will be taken from local authorities, and of course, I made the point in speaking with them that they will have to give our airlines reciprocal rights under our BASA.

    “That is the point I insisted on, and they did say that any spot we need, they will give us as much as we give them those spots within Nigeria.”

    The minister also addressed concerns regarding trapped funds, and assured that efforts are being made to ensure that the funds of foreign airlines are repatriated.

  • Festus Keyamo to join Tinubu in UAE, to resolve Emirates flight suspension, visa ban on Nigerians

    Festus Keyamo to join Tinubu in UAE, to resolve Emirates flight suspension, visa ban on Nigerians

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, is set to depart Nigeria tonight to the United Arab Emirates, where he is expected to join President Bola Tinubu and other government functionaries in a bid to resolve the Emirates Airline flight suspension to Nigeria, visa ban and other diplomatic issues.

    Following the diplomatic rows between Nigeria and the UAE, the Emirates’ airlines suspended its flight operations into the country and placed a visa ban on Nigerians.

    In 2009, the UAE established its embassy in Nigeria. In December 2020, a memorandum of understanding was executed between Nigeria and the UAE to provide a platform for both countries to engage bilaterally.

    Recall that in February 2021, the Federal Government of Nigeria stopped the UAE national carrier, Emirates airline from subjecting Nigerian travelers to additional rapid antigen test, as against its stipulated negative PCR test at the Lagos and Abuja airports before departure.

    Emirates airline shut down flights to and from Nigeria owing to the disagreement between the airline and the Nigerian Aviation Authorities on the propriety of subjecting passengers travelling from Nigeria to emergency COVID-19 protocols.

    Flights resumed subsequently, after an interface between the airline and the Ministry of Aviation. However, Emirates airline continued conducting test for passengers before departure from Nigeria, a development the Federal Government frowned at and suspended the airline from flying to and from Nigeria.

    Following this development, there have been allegations that some legal resident Nigerians living in UAE lost their jobs on account of the refusal of the authorities to renew their work permit, which offends the letter of bilateral agreements both nations are signatories to. Amidst speculations that the actions of the UAE authorities are attempts aimed at putting the Nigerian Government under pressure to accept their conditions of service for their national airline that may have lost revenue from the Nigeria route, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development will be meeting with President Tinubu and other government functionaries at the UAE to resolve the Emirates airline flight suspension and Visa ban issues affecting Nigerians.