The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has pledged to remove any obstacles capable of delaying the commencement of operations by Caliphate Airlines while insisting that all regulatory and safety standards must be fully observed.
The Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood disclosed that Keyamo gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving a high-powered delegation from the Sokoto State Government ahead of the planned launch of the state-backed carrier.
“I will do everything within my capacity to support this initiative and ensure that any impediments capable of delaying the commencement of operations are addressed promptly, while, of course, maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance,” the minister said.
The delegation, led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Haliru Dikko, also included the Secretary to the State Government, Mohammad Bello Sifawa, the Director of Operations of Caliphate Airlines, Capt. Oluwashina Agbelese, and the airline’s Account Manager, Capt. Abdulkarim Abioye.
Speaking during the visit, the delegation conveyed the appreciation of Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, for the minister’s support towards the establishment of the airline.
The team informed the minister that Caliphate Airlines, established as a limited liability company to provide domestic passenger and cargo services, is scheduled to be inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 18, 2026.
They explained that the visit was also to seek the minister’s continued intervention in facilitating the timely issuance of the Airline Operator Certificate (AOC), which is required for the airline to commence commercial operations as scheduled.
Providing an update on the airline’s readiness, Agbelese disclosed that Caliphate Airlines will commence operations with a fleet of five regional jets comprising three Embraer ERJ-145LR aircraft and two Embraer 190-100 series aircraft.
According to him, two of the aircraft have already arrived in Nigeria, while the remaining three are expected before the official launch.
He added that the airline’s initial route network will connect Sokoto, Abuja and Kano, with plans to expand to other domestic destinations as demand increases.
In his remarks, Keyamo commended the Sokoto State Government for investing in the aviation sector, describing the initiative as one that would promote economic development, improve regional connectivity and create employment opportunities.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting credible indigenous airline operators, noting that regulatory processes would be handled professionally and without unnecessary delays.
The minister also expressed optimism that the successful launch of Caliphate Airlines would strengthen domestic air transport, improve connectivity across the North-West and contribute to the Federal Government’s drive to stimulate economic growth and create more jobs.
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