Keyamo Hosts Stakeholders Engagement in Lagos, Priorities Local Economic Growth, Workers’ Rights
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Nigerian aviation sector through strategic policies that prioritise local economic growth, workers’ rights, and infrastructural development.
While speaking at the Aviation Stakeholders’ Forum held in Lagos, he addressed concerns raised by aviation workers’ unions regarding airlines restricting union activities within their organizations. He directed the NCAA to open discussions with airlines to allow union members to exercise their rights within the workplace.
The Minister assured union representatives that they would be actively involved in discussions concerning the concession of airports, emphasising transparency in the process. He promised to instruct his Special Assistant on Public-Private Partnerships (SA PPP) to engage union leaders and keep them updated on the concession plans.
Keyamo also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finalised plans for the reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, alongside potential concessions for some smaller airports to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
The Stakeholders’ Forum provided an opportunity for open dialogue between the government, aviation agencies, and industry players, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to collaborative decision-making for a more sustainable and competitive aviation sector.
He emphasised the need for foreign airlines to patronize indigenous caterers, reiterating his stance that compliance would be a key determinant in approving airline schedules.
He then directed the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, to commence immediate engagement with airlines to ensure compliance with this directive.
“I have said it before, and I am saying it again that foreign airlines should patronize indigenous caterers. Otherwise, I will not sign the summer schedule.”, he said .
The event was attended by Abubakar D. Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, along with key aviation agency heads, including Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General, NCAA, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/CEO, FAAN, Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General NiMET, Engr. Farouk Umar, Managing Director, NAMA (represented by Mr. John Tayo, Director of Air Travel Services). Others are Mustapha Sheik Abdullahi, Registrar, African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) and Directors across aviation agencies.
