The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has reiterated his belief in a national air carrier project, emphasizing that such an initiative must prioritize the interests of Nigerians rather than serving foreign nations.
Speaking during a media interview on Wednesday, Keyamo highlighted the need for a carrier that would not only fly Nigeria’s flag but also deliver tangible benefits to its citizens.
“I believe in a national carrier project that is beneficial to Nigeria and Nigerians, one that is propelled and supported by Nigeria, especially for the benefit of Nigerians, but not one essentially that would benefit a foreign country,” he said.
Keyamo had indefinitely suspended the Nigeria Air Project last year, describing it as a venture tailored to favor Ethiopian Airlines under the guise of a national carrier.
In addition to his comments on the national carrier, Keyamo disclosed that the long-awaited report from the Ministerial Taskforce on Illegal Air Charter Operations and Related Matters would soon be submitted.
The task force, inaugurated on June 27, 2024, was established to address growing concerns about illegal activities such as money laundering and drug smuggling through private chartered carriers.
The committee is chaired by Capt. Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, with Capt. Roland Iyayi serving as Vice Chairman.
Keyamo revealed, “They sought extensions twice due to the enormity of the work, and they’ve done extensive investigations. The report is about to be submitted, and during their assignment, they uncovered significant violations.
“In fact, they grounded a few private operators caught engaging in illegal activities. However, I won’t disclose details yet. The full report will be made public once ready.”
He further assured Nigerians that the task force had been thorough in its findings, which would help sanitize the sector and ensure compliance with aviation laws.
Keyamo also gave an update on the readiness of the Maiduguri International Airport, noting that the facility would be operational for international flights in a matter of weeks.
“We are working hard to ensure the airport is ready for international operations soon. This is part of our commitment to improving aviation infrastructure across the country,” he stated.