Minister Festus Keyamo Highlights Aviation Achievements, Commends President Tinubu’s Support

Oru Leonard

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday briefed the media on his achievements at the Press Center, Radio House Abuja. Keyamo took the opportunity to highlight his accomplishments and express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support.

As the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo has been instrumental in driving growth and development in the aviation sector. His efforts have been recognized, and he was awarded the New Telegraph Best Minister Award, 2024.

Festus Keyamo’s achievements as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development are numerous and impressive which include:

• Realignment with the Capetown Convention: Keyamo successfully realigned Nigeria with the Capetown Convention, allowing : aviators to access international leasing markets.
• Launch of Air Peace’s London Gatwick Route: He facilitated the launch of Air Peace’s London Gatwick route, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s presence on the global aviation stage.
• Renegotiation of the London Heathrow Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA): Keyamo renegotiated the BASA, advocating for fairness and reciprocity, and securing more favorable terms for Nigeria’s flag carriers.
• Resolution of Trapped Funds for Foreign Airlines: He worked closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria to clear the backlog of trapped funds, restoring confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
• Upgrade of Borno Airport to International Status: Keyamo announced the upgrade of the Muhammadu Buhari Airport, Maiduguri, Borno to a full-fledged international status, increasing international flight schedules and interconnectivity.
• Ensured the take off the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU): Permanent Site project is pursued with vigour.
• Improved Airport Infrastructure: Keyamo implemented upgrades to airport infrastructure, including the installation of e-gates at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, enhancing passenger facilitation and security.
• Local Caterers and Nigeria menu to be served by international airline operators taking off from Nigeriam

Keyamo’s briefing was part of a routine Ministerial Briefing coordinated by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Hon. Mohammed Idris. The Minister of Education, Hon Olatunji Alausa, also presented his achievements during the briefing.

Keyamo’s appreciation for President Tinubu’s cooperation and support underscores the importance of collaboration between government ministries and the presidency in driving national development.

Among top Government Officials that attended were, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Dare. Co- Spokesperson to the President,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Education and heads of agencies in the ministries.