Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says the federal government has taken major steps to strengthen domestic airlines and expand Nigeria’s aviation market.
He said the moves aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s policy of empowering local carriers to tap into the country’s multibillion-dollar air travel industry.
Keyamo spoke at the unveiling of two Boeing B737-800 aircraft acquired by United Nigeria Airlines, with registration numbers 5N-CFC and 5N-CFB.
He said the government’s first priority in the aviation sector was to establish the right policy direction and support indigenous operators.
According to him, the administration is fully backing United Nigeria Airlines and other private carriers in the country.
The minister said the government had deliberately stepped away from plans for a national carrier after concluding that such models struggle in democratic systems.
He said, “All governments in the world are divesting from national airlines. It is not possible to run a national carrier under a bureaucratic setup without it collapsing into a bottomless pit.”
Keyamo said the focus is now on strengthening private airlines under strict regulatory oversight.
He added that the Ministry had approved new international routes for Nigerian airlines, including destinations such as Canada, Dubai, and the United States.
He said, “We are giving United Nigeria Airlines fruitful reciprocal routes, including New York, Canada, and Dubai.
”We are only looking for the equipment to run these routes right now.”
The minister noted that over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s estimated 16 million annual air passengers are currently served by foreign carriers.
He said reforms under the Tinubu administration have encouraged banks to return to aviation financing, particularly for aircraft acquisition.
Keyamo also revealed plans for a government-backed aircraft leasing company to support domestic airlines.
He said, “He has formally approved the establishment of the Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company.”
The minister added that the initiative would help airlines access aircraft through government-supported dry-lease arrangements.
Keyamo also disclosed that funding had been secured for an airstrip in Abia State, which is being upgraded into a full airport project.
He said Governor Alex Otti’s intervention expanded the project scope through counterpart funding.
He stated, “Credit to Dr. Alex Otti—he did not stop at that.”
Keyamo also said the federal government is supporting the development of Enugu Airport into a cargo hub for the South-East.
He noted that plans are ongoing for direct cargo flights between China and Enugu to boost regional trade.
