Keyamo: JournalNG 2024 Minister of The Year
The Activist Revolutionising Nigeria's Aviation Sector
Festus Egwarewa Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development with his hands on commitment to infrastructural development, creation of enabling work environment to guarantee quality service and making Nigeria fertile for aviation investment has emerged JournalNG’s Minister of the Year 2024.
Coming from a successful legal practice background laced with activism, Festus Keyamo is triumphing in the aviation sector surpassing the performance of predecessor ministers with industry experience.
He has proven to be the best among President Bola Tinubu’s minister, efficiently leading his ministry and providing effective oversight for all the agencies under his watch.
Armed with a five-point agenda focused on advancing safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development, and revenue generation in the aviation sector, the minister has kept faith with his drive like one whose hands are committed to the plough. No looking back.
As a stickler for orderliness, Keyamo stopped the unlawful usage of private jets for commercial purpose.
This came after the minister had issued warning to holders of Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) to stop engaging in commercial flight operations or face stiff penalties, amongst which was revocation of their permits.
He has set the country on the path of achieving its age long vision of becoming a notable aviation hub in Africa.
On the need to stay true to his calling, while addressing a virtual meeting in 2023 ,he said “As the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I am deeply committed to these agenda. In these challenging times, characterised by evolving market dynamics and global uncertainties, the need to reposition our aviation sector for sustainable growth has never been more pressing. It requires vision, resilience, finances, and collaboration.
“It is the bedrock upon which we build our vision for the industry’s future. Thus, it is incumbent upon our legislators to draft policies that promote growth, encourage investment, and ensure safety and security.
“The aviation sector is, first and foremost, a safety and security-critical industry. We ensure, through legislation, that mandatory safety standards provided by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) are incorporated in our national laws.
“As such, the role of legislation and indeed legislators in Nigeria’s aviation sector is critical for the development, regulation, and growth of the aviation industry in the country,” he said.
On Safety
On his watch, the ministry achieved the commissioning of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Flight Data Centre, (FDC) which is a data bank that tracks flight patterns, human efforts, and mechanical data to help improve the sector.
The NCAA, under his supervision,granted certification to the Aerodrome Emergency Training School of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria to provide Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training and promoting digitalization.
Preventing Waste of Scarce Government Resources
Upon assumption of office, Keyamo introduced prudence in the management of funds to give greater attention to areas that would yield good value for money for the federal government.
He halted the controversial and costly national carrier project started by his predecessor . Not being against Nigeria having a national carrier, he severed the country from an agreement widely believed to be skewed in favour of foreign interest and personal gains of some persons.
An earlier media report described his approach as one marking the beginning of a new era, where the focus shifted from foreign dependence to national self-sufficiency. His prevention of prodigal spending has cascaded to the various departments and agencies under his ministry.
Infrastructural Upgrade
While he has hands on deck to get the nation’s federal government owned airports rank amongst Africa’s best, he has also shown commitment and support for state governments investing in the aviation sector.
The minister had led a high-profile delegation to Helsinki, Finland, Vienna and Austria, for critical factory inspections and familiarisation meetings with two of the world’s leading aviation infrastructure equipment manufacturers, Vaisala and Frequentis AG for the supply of infrastructural equipments for the construction of the on-going Abuja second runway.
Keyamo’s support for states like Akwa Ibom, Zamfara, Abia and others investing in the sector has been an inspiration to the governors and people of these states who have over the years traveled by roads into other states before flying thereby increasing their cost and transit time before flying and upon arrival.
Improving Airport User Experience
From battling extortion to stopping practices that undermine passenger dignity, the minister has through the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) began enforcing the observance of better work etiquette by all government and private sector persons operating at the airports.
Recently launched Operation Air Clean is becoming an airport management masterstroke aimed at eliminating corrupt practices and improving passenger experience at key airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and the General Aviation Terminal (GAT).
The relocation of airlines to the newly constructed terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport has also improved the passenger experience, demonstrating Keyamo’s commitment to efficiency and transparency.
Faster Response Time By Government Agencies
Agencies of government in the industry have started exhibiting an awakening to justify their existence by meeting up to government and stakeholders expectations.
There has been an unprecedented drive for consumer protection by the NCAA without leaving the airlines unprotected or vulnerable. Complaints are now given better attention and response especially with the launch of the consumer protection portal (CPP) in the department of consumer protection directorate, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) at the NCAA annex, Lagos airport.
Greater Stakeholder Relationship
He has emplaced a system of improved relationship between everyone in the aviation ecosystem, fostering communication and engineering oneness in the national interest.
A good fallout from his regular interface is the willingness of 150 aviation companies to participate in the forthcoming Nigeria International Airshow to be held in April, 2025.
Keyamo’s impacts is rubbing positively outside aviation as the insurance industry is not left out. He had convened a stakeholders’ engagement aimed at strengthening new partnerships between the Nigeria Insurance Association (NIA) and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
Causing Local Airlines to Aim at Global Standards
There is a significant increase in Nigeria’s global compliance rating for aircraft leasing, enhancing confidence among international financiers.
The bar has been raised for Nigerian airlines to do better in line with international standards across various indices.
