I’ll establish new, ‘proper’ national carrier — Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has vowed to establish a new and ‘proper’ national carrier as part of efforts to drive Nigeria’s aviation sector and boost economic development.

Recall that the former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hadi Sirika, had, during his time, announced plans for the revival of the country’s national carrier, Nigeria Air.

The announcement sparked both excitement and controversy among Nigerians, as the project became subject to intense scrutiny and debates.

However, the controversial nature of Nigeria Air became evident when critics raised concerns about the project’s feasibility and the government’s involvement.

On assuming office, Keyamo, however, ordered for the suspension of the Nigeria Air project.

Keyamo gave this directive during a tour of the international airports in Lagos, where he was accompanied by the Managing Director (MD) of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Kabir Yusuf Mohammed.

Keyamo also put on hold all arrangements under his predecessor, Hadi Sirika, to enable proper audit of contracts in the aviation industry.

But, speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Keyamo revealed plans to establish a new national carrier, adding that no local airlines will be made to be national carriers.

Keyamo said: “I will push for one (national carrier) and I’m working on one and guess what? Let me say this publicly now. No local airline will be a flag carrier or national carrier.

“So, whoever thinks I’m working to promote one to be a national flag carrier, I’m saying it as a matter of policy, it will be unfair to all the local operators, no local airline will be designated as a flag carrier. I will not do it.

“We will establish a proper national carrier and people are talking to us about it. The Arabs are talking to us, the Chinese are talking to us, the Americans are talking to us on these already.”

On issues bordering the Nigeria Air, Keyamo hinted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun an investigation to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Nigeria Air.

“EFCC investigation is ongoing so people who don’t know, should know. There is a criminal investigation going on. That is the honest truth. I don’t know those who are involved or who are not involved. I’ve called for reports as a minister so they should give me a printed report”, he said.

Keyamo also revealed that part of the reasons stifling the aviation sector is the country’s inability to create a masterplan for its top five international airports.

He noted that many of the persisting problems in the aviation sector were as a result of poor infrastructures, safety equipment, and shady agreements, adding that without a comprehensive master plan, these airports will be unable to operate efficiently and effectively, hindering the growth and development of the aviation sector.

According to him, “The moment I came into office, the first thing I asked all of them, the technocrats and bureaucrats. I asked where the master plans for our airports are, especially the five international airports.

“How can you build infrastructure in the world without a plan? Whether house, whether road or anything, you must have an approved plan. I did not meet any master plan on the ground in the entire Nigeria for all the five international airports and I asked them what they’ve been doing?

“The lack of a master plan for our top airports is a major setback for our aviation industry. It prevents us from maximizing the potential of these airports and offering world-class services to travelers,” the Minister said.