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Tag: Keyamo

  • “There’s no decision yet on KWAM1’s fate after his apology”-Aviation minister, Keyamo

    “There’s no decision yet on KWAM1’s fate after his apology”-Aviation minister, Keyamo

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said the Nigerian government is yet to decide on the fate of fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 de Ultimate or KWAM 1.

    This is coming after Ayinde’s public apology over a controversial altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    Keyamo, in a statement on Friday, said he had seen KWAM 1’s apology but noted that the matter was still under official consideration.

    “We have just seen this (apology) on social media like everyone else. We have not had the opportunity to deliberate on it,” the minister said.

    The development comes after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reaffirmed on Friday that petitions against KWAM 1 had been forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police for necessary action.

    NCAA spokesman Michael Achimugu said the agencies would determine the next steps.

    On Thursday, the NCAA confirmed it had formally petitioned for the investigation and prosecution of the musician over his clash with ValueJet officials at the airport on August 5, 2025.

    Recall that in a personally signed statement released Friday, KWAM 1 described the incident as “unfortunate” and denied claims that he was carrying alcohol at the time. He explained that the flask in his possession contained water, citing a medical condition that requires him to remain constantly hydrated.

     

    “Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated. This is why I always carry a water flask with me. Contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask contained only water not alcohol,” he stated.

     

    The veteran singer also apologised to the Presidency, the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the NCAA, ValueJet, and Nigerians at large.

  • Heavy headache for Kwam1 as Keyamo insists any airline that flies him will lose operational license

    Heavy headache for Kwam1 as Keyamo insists any airline that flies him will lose operational license

    The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN has given a directive that any airline that flies Kwam1 stands the risk of losing its operational license.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports, Keyamo made this revelation via his verified X.com handle on Thursday.

    Hear Keyamo:

    “I have received reports from all the relevant Aviation agencies regarding the altercation
    between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International
    Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025.

    “I have also received video footages of the incident.
    From all the details so far received, my preliminary impression is that it was obviously a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on
    both sides which could have led to serious fatalities.

    “Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 has said, he CONSTANTLY moved his position on the
    tarmac to ACTUALLY BLOCK the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-
    off.

    “This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour. The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even an issue at this point. It is the
    physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here which akin to a hostage situation. The actual video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is hereby
    attached.

    “On the other hand, NO AMOUNT of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft
    begin to taxi without ensuring that the security. personnel have safely moved an unruly passenger away that is standing in front of an
    aircraft.

    ” On the other hand, NO AMOUNT of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft
    begin to taxi without ensuring that the security personnel have safely moved an unruly
    passenger away that is standing in front of anaircraft.

    He further explaned that: “Both sides breached standard SAFETY
    PROTOCOL as required by the INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO).

    “I have noted that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily suspended the
    license of the Captain and the Pilot pending full investigation. I commend them for their proactive
    action.

    “However, I have also questioned their sense of justice in only acting against one party and not the other party. What applies to the
    goose must also to the gander. That is one of the
    tenets of Justice I have preached all my life.

    “I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass. IN THE CIRCUMSTANCE, I HAVE ALSO DIRECTED THE NCAA TO PLACE KWAM 1 on a
    NO-FLY list pending further and full investigation, just like the Captain and Pilot. ALL AIRLINES,
    both domestic and International should IMMEDIATELY be informed of this directive and anyone who flouts this directive risk withdrawal
    of their operating licence.

  • Untitled post 576346

    The Africa Air Passengers Rights Association, AAPRAS has lauded the Aviation and Aerodome Minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN, over the initiative to modernize Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, built 47 years ago.

    AAPRASS disclosed this in a commendation letter signed by its Executive Secretary, Oluwafemi Victor Walsh where he stated that:

    “It is indeed a cheering news that 47 years after the one time pride of Nigeria MMIA will now be upgraded into a deserved world standard.

    “The international airport was long overdue for a massive overhaul to reflect the giant of Africa status of Nigeria that use to echo in international circles in the 1970s and the 1980s.

    “The Aviation minister has proven with this initiave he means well for all Nigerians because of the centralized location of the international airport.

    Walsh hailed the Minister’s move saying that ‘the award of the contract under the modernisation plan to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) – the same company that successfully delivered Terminal 2 – noting that this continuity automatically kills talks of favouritism or ulterior motives.

    He also noted that carrying out such a modernisation project will further portray Nigeria’s image in positive light.

    He expressed satisfaction stating that “the project’s scope, complexity, and potential impact on the aviation industry are truly impressive.

    “Keyamo’s vision for a state-of-the-art airport facility will undoubtedly benefit passengers, airlines, and the broader community.

    “His leadership and dedication to innovation have set a high standard for airport management.

    ” I am confident that this project will yield significant returns, including improved efficiency, enhanced safety, and increased customer satisfaction.

    “In AAPRASS we are throwing our weight behind the Minister as we have absolute trust in his leadership prowess.

  • Atiku’s aide reveals resignation letter was leaked, replies Keyamo

    Atiku’s aide reveals resignation letter was leaked, replies Keyamo

    Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has revealed that the letter announcing his principal’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party was leaked.

    Ibe stated this during an interview on Wednesday night on Arise News, while reacting to the controversy surrounding the timing of Atiku’s exit from the PDP, which coincided with the nation’s mourning of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was buried on Tuesday.

    Ibe claimed that individuals opposed to Atiku’s political ambition, including some members within the PDP and their allies in the All Progressives Congres orchestrated the leak and not voluntarily released.

    “We’re here because people who never wished His Excellency Atiku Abubakar well leaked a communication of his. Yes, it was leaked,” Ibe stated.

    He further criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for commenting on the matter, accusing him of abandoning pressing aviation challenges.

    “It’s unfortunate that the Minister of Aviation, who rather should be concerned with serious issues of aviation matters and there are plenty of them, like runways and better infrastructure, jumped into this fray as though knowing what caused an accident even before investigation,” Ibe said.

    He insisted that the leak resulted from “rogue elements in the PDP working in cahoots with APC members,” stressing that the matter should not overshadow national reflection over Buhari’s death.

    “Those who claim to know why he resigned, are they clairvoyants? I would rather say we speak on something else and not this particular issue, considering the fact that the nation is still in mourning and the memories of the late President, Muhammadu Buhari, who was just interred yesterday, are still fresh,” he said.

    Atiku formally resigned from the PDP via a letter dated July 14, 2025, submitted to his local ward chairman in Adamawa State and shared publicly by his media aide on X.

    In the letter, he cited “irreconcilable differences” and noted his disappointment with the party’s current trajectory, which he believes has strayed from its founding principles.

  • Keyamo attacks Atiku for resigning from PDP during mourning of Buhari

    Keyamo attacks Atiku for resigning from PDP during mourning of Buhari

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has attacked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at a time the nation is mourning ex-president Muhammadu Buhari.

    Keyamo made this known in a statement on his X account on Wednesday.

    He wrote: “Your Excellency, @atiku, whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time you may wish, however, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself. In fact (as the image below shows), you prepared, typed, signed, and delivered that letter the morning after the passing away of the former president was announced. With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy.

    “And since we are on the issue of your letter, it is both morally and legally wrong to continue to use the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government in your private or political communications when you stopped being a functionary of the Federal Government more than 18 years ago. Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, makes this an offence.

    “Morally, it is also reprehensible to use a symbol suggesting that you are acting on behalf of the authority that symbol represents. It borders on impersonation. Imagine a situation where all former government functionaries continue to use the Coat of Arms of Nigeria in their personal, political, or private communications. There would certainly be confusion everywhere.

    “I have a bounden duty both as a Cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar to protect our laws and constitution. Please, be well guided,” he wrote on X.

  • It will be ‘tragic’ if Tinubu is not re-elected in 2027 – Keyamo

    It will be ‘tragic’ if Tinubu is not re-elected in 2027 – Keyamo

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has stated that it will be a tragic situation if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not re-elected in 2027, stressing that the President needs a second term to complete his economic reforms.

    Speaking on Monday as a guest on Politics Today, Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, warned that it would be “tragic” for another administration to halt the fiscal and economic policies currently being implemented by the Tinubu-led government.

    “The most profound thing I will say here today is that every single APC member in this country today should be concentrating on the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, irrespective of whether it affects your personal interest or not,” he said.

    “Because he does need a second term to fully finish up all these reforms.”

    Keyamo further explained, “It will be tragic for any government to come in 2027 and stop these reforms. This is what has happened in the past where you have all kinds of inchoate policies being implemented.

  • Flight operations begin at Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport

    Flight operations begin at Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport

    The Federal Government has inaugurated flight operations of Overland Airways at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger state.

    Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Airspace Development, inaugurated the flight operation in Minna on Wednesday.

    He said that the newly reconstructed airport would be an alternative to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    Keyamo said plans were underway to deploy Customs, Immigration, Police, NDLEA, and other necessary measures to process passengers, should Abuja airport encounters problems.

    The minister applauded Gov. Umaru Bago’s political will on the project, stating that the airport would boost investment, job creation, and increase Niger State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), particularly in agriculture.

    In his remarks, Gov. Bago commended President Bola Tinubu for his support, highlighting the airport’s potentials and ongoing developments.

    He explained that the airport sits on 3,000 hectares of land and highlighted ongoing development projects in the airport to include renovation of the airport terminal and runway, construction of a state-of-the-art terminal with modern facilities, and development of an aviation estate with 500 housing units.

    Bago said a fuel dump and a five-star Hilton hotel were under construction, alongside 1,000 kilometres of road to support airport operations.

    The governor also revealed that 180 containers on a ship were expected to arrive at the airport, further emphasising the airport’s potential for development and its capacity to rival other global airports.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, hailed Bago’s developmental strides and the aviation minister’s efforts in improving the sector.

    He reiterated government’s commitment to the welfare of citizens,  noting that food prices were gradually dropping due to President Tinubu’s administration’s strategic measures.

    Also, Capt. Edward Boyo, Founder and Managing Director of Overland Airways, assured of excellence in services and called for stakeholder support.

  • Aviation Ministry disputes reports on Enugu airport concession

    Aviation Ministry disputes reports on Enugu airport concession

    The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development on Monday, in Abuja disputed online reports claiming concession of Enugu international airport had been agreed upon.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

    According to Moshood, the online reports are utterly baseless and untrue.

    “Our attention has been drawn to certain online reports/stories suggesting that a certain lengthy period of concession has been agreed upon regarding the Enugu International Airport.

    “It is true that Government is considering proposals for concession of five major airports, this is a proactive measure to ensure these vital facilities meet and maintain international standards, given increasing financial demands of their operations.

    “Many of our airports are presently running at a loss, so they have to be subsidised each month by the Federal Government. It is noteworthy that this initiative to concession started from previous administrations. “

    He, however, said that at this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concession.

    He further said that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development had not established any fixed duration.

    According to him, all submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation that will eventually be reviewed by the Infrastructural Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) before it is presented to the Minister for conveyance to FEC for approval.

    “We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded.

    “However, for the sake of transparency, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, directed, some months ago that the Aviation Labour Unions be included as part of the negotiating teams.

    “Therefore, we must state unequivocally that the information suggesting a predetermined concession duration is false, unfounded, and intended to cause unwarranted disaffection and mistrust in this process by those with entrenched interests.

    “Please be assured that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is committed to a transparent process that adheres strictly to due process, “ he said.

    Moshood said thatwith the minister`s training and track record, he would not allow anything untoward to happen under his watch.

    “He has so far run the ministry in a transparent manner and will not fall into the same mistake of the past.

    “We will ensure that all decisions are made in the best interest of the nation and the aviation sector.

  • Delayed flights/cancellation: Senate summons Keyamo, others

    Delayed flights/cancellation: Senate summons Keyamo, others

    The Senate on Wednesday mandated its Committee on Aviation to summon the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

    The Senate also resolved to summon the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Captain Chris Najomo, Airline operators as well as other relevant stakeholders over incessant flight delays and cancellations.

    The Committee on Aviation is mandated to investigate the increasing frequency of flight delays and cancellations by airline operators in the country.

    The resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai (Oyo, APC) during plenary, highlighting the negative impact of these disruptions on Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and public confidence in the aviation sector.

    The investigation will aim to uncover the root causes of the persistent disruptions and propose lasting solutions to improve the reliability and efficiency of air travel in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, the Senate leadership has directed its Committee on Finance to suspend further action on the proposed tax bill pending the outcome of a high-level meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    The Deputy senate president, Senator Barau Jibrin, made the announcement during plenary and disclosed that a special committee has been constituted to address contentious issues in the bill, with the meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 5.

    The decision follows a series of deliberations by lawmakers aimed at resolving disagreements over key provisions in the proposed legislation. The contentious areas have sparked debates among stakeholders in the last couple of days.

    In addition, the Senate leadership announced plans to convene a special meeting to be held at the National Assembly and chaired by the Minority Leader to address all areas of disagreement. The meeting is expected to serve as a platform for lawmakers to harmonize their positions and ensure that the bill aligns with national priorities while addressing stakeholder concerns.

    Members of the special committee include:

     

    Abba Moro chairman

    Tahir Monguno

    Aliero Adamu

     

    Kalu Orji

     

    Dickson Seriake

     

    Zam Titus

     

    Yahaya Abdullahi

     

    Adeola Solomon

     

    Sani Musa

     

    Abiru Mukhail, as well as the entire leadership of the Senate.

  • Aviation minister, Keyamo unveils 150 million-litre jet fuel depot

    Aviation minister, Keyamo unveils 150 million-litre jet fuel depot

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled the Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 (JUHI-2) with a storage capacity of 150 million litres of Jet A1 fuel.

    The facility is described as the largest airside jet fuel depot in Nigeria, having the capability of delivering a minimum of 150 million litres of ATK supplies monthly to airlines, implying that it can deliver 20 per cent of the current nation’s annual sales volume in a month.

    The depot is a collaborative project by a consortium of companies, including Eterna Plc, Masters Energy Oil & Gas, Techno Oil & Gas, Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas, Ibafon Oil, Quest Oil Group, and First Deep Water Limited.

    Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held at the JUHI-2 ventures limited premises, Ikeja in Lagos on Thursday, Keyamo lauded the project, saying it has brought Nigeria global relevance and recognition.

    He noted that the facility would help curb the issue of flight delays and flight cancellations which most times had been a result of a lack of Jet A1 fuel.

    According to the minister, the depot was strategically well positioned as it is close to both the local and international airports, which is an international requirement.

    He said, “This facility is strategic and supportive to the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria. We normally experience a lot of flight cancellations, and flight delays and in some cases, it is attributed to lack of Jet A1 fuel.

    “It is also an international requirement. You have just made us globally relevant because it requires that this kind of facility should not be far away from all major airports in the world.

    “It is also a requirement for hajj operations. Before any airport is approved for hajj operations, they ensure that such facilities are very close to the airport. In so many ways this is a global requirement and I thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for this massive infrastructural investment to support the aviation ecosystem in Nigeria.”

    Disclosing the recent feats in the aviation sector, the minister said Nigeria has been removed from the watchlist of non-compliant countries, having scaled 75.5 per cent in aircraft financing from 70.5 per cent.

    He stated that airlines in Nigeria can now access aircraft on dry leases all over the world.

    In her address, the Chairman of JUHI-2 Limited, Patience Dappa, explained that the facility will strengthen the nation’s energy security and provide a reliable and robust jet fuel supply chain.

    Dappa, a legal practitioner, stated that the depot would ensure rapid response times and faster refuelling processes, reducing delays and improving overall flight scheduling, to enhance the competitiveness of airports and airlines, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in aviation.

    She said, “This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art filtration systems, a jet fuel discharge system capable of loading four bowsers simultaneously, a modern laboratory, and cutting-edge fire prevention measures. It is a strategic asset, designed to provide a steady, reliable supply of jet fuel to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMA1, MMA2, and nearby airbases.

    “In building JUHI-2, we are not only enhancing infrastructure; we are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s continued growth in aviation. This facility will serve airlines, cargo carriers, private jet operators, and other aviation stakeholders, ensuring world-class fuel service and maximising operational efficiency. In essence, we are not just fueling planes; we are fueling the future of aviation in Nigeria.

    “Beyond its operational significance, JUHI-2 will generate numerous benefits for Nigeria. It will create direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to a reduction in unemployment within the region. It will also stimulate economic growth by boosting related industries such as transportation, logistics, and maintenance services. This facility will play a pivotal role in the development of the airport area and its surrounding communities.”

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Eterna Oil Plc, Abiola Lawal, said JUHI-2 is equipped with cutting-edge technology that guarantees the highest standards of operational efficiency.

    Lukman added that JUHI-2 can take delivery of four bridgers/aviation fuel trucks at a time which is the first of its kind in Nigeria today.