Exactly one year ago, the appointment of Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIarb (UK) as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development was met with widespread skepticism. A renowned lawyer and public advocate, Keyamo was seen as an outsider to the aviation sector—a square peg in a round hole. Critics questioned his ability to navigate the complex world of aviation, where technical expertise and industry experience are often considered prerequisites for success. However, as we mark the one-year anniversary of his tenure, it is clear that Keyamo has defied expectations, emerging as a transformative force and a visionary leader in the aviation sector.
From the outset, Keyamo demonstrated a proactive approach that would come to define his leadership. One of his earliest victories was the realignment of Nigeria with the Capetown Convention, a crucial move that will open doors for local aviators to access international leasing markets. This achievement was not just a matter of policy but of strategic diplomacy. Keyamo’s engagement with the Attorney General, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and other legal stakeholders is paving the way for this milestone, setting a strong foundation for future growth in the aviation sector.
Keyamo’s foresight was further evident when he facilitated the launch of Air Peace’s London Gatwick route. Many faulted his involvement in this endeavour, viewing it as too patronizing. Today, Keyamo’s decision has proven to be a masterstroke, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s presence on the global aviation stage. This bold move is a reflection of his broader vision to elevate the country’s aviation industry to international standards.
Central to Keyamo’s agenda has been the renegotiation of the London Heathrow Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA). Recognizing the imbalance in the current agreement, Keyamo has been a staunch advocate for fairness and reciprocity. His efforts to secure more favorable terms for Nigeria’s flag carriers underscore his commitment to ensuring that Nigerian airlines are not merely participants but key players in global aviation.
When tensions flared in the aviation sector over the contentious 50% revenue deductions, it was Keyamo’s diplomatic finesse that averted a potential crisis. His open letter to aviation workers, coupled with strategic negotiations with the federal government, resulted in a reduction of the deductions to 20%, thereby easing tensions and restoring industrial harmony. This episode highlighted Keyamo’s ability to navigate complex challenges with tact and resolve.
Keyamo’s engagement with global aviation giants like Boeing and Airbus further illustrates his determination to position Nigeria as a significant player in the industry. His discussions with Airbus in Toulouse and ongoing talks with Boeing in the U.S. are aimed at facilitating dry leasing options for Nigerian airlines, a move that could significantly boost the sector’s capacity and competitiveness.
Under Keyamo’s watch, Nigeria’s major airports have undergone significant improvements. From tackling corruption and touting to launching a Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Private Charter Operations, the transformation is palpable. Perhaps one of his most notable achievements was the swift resolution of the protracted land dispute that had stalled the Abuja Second Runway project for years. In just two weeks, Keyamo achieved what his predecessors could not, clearing the way for the commencement of construction—a clear indicator of his no-nonsense approach to governance.
Keyamo’s impact extends beyond infrastructure. Within a month of taking office, he ordered all international airlines to relocate to the new Lagos terminal, making it fully operational. His quick fixes to design flaws and collaboration with the immigration service to remodel Wing E at the Murtala International Airport, Lagos, have transformed the terminal into a state-of-the-art facility. This public-private partnership model exemplifies the innovative spirit Keyamo brings to his role.
The reactivation of Lagos’ Second Runway, which had been out of service for two years, is another feather in Keyamo’s cap. His decisive action restored full operational capacity to Nigeria’s busiest airport, further demonstrating his ability to tackle longstanding issues with urgency and efficiency.
One of the most vexing challenges in the industry—trapped funds for foreign airlines—was also resolved under Keyamo’s leadership. By working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria, he cleared the backlog, restoring confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and reaffirming the country’s commitment to honoring its international obligations.
Some of the benefits of clearing the foreign airlines’ trapped funds is the resolve of Dubai visa issuance to Nigerians and the return of Emirates’ Nigeria/UAE flights, which industry experts have applauded as commendable. In not so long a time, specifically by October 1st, this year, Nigerians will have the luxury of reverting status quo by having the opportunity of frequenting the UAE once again, both for leisure and business purposes.
Keyamo’s successful negotiation with UK authorities to grant Air Peace reciprocal operating rights was a groundbreaking achievement. This move broke the longstanding monopoly of foreign airlines on the UK-Nigeria route, leading to more competitive airfares for Nigerian travelers and enhancing the nation’s aviation footprint.
In a bold step towards financial sustainability, Keyamo obtained Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval to require all VIPs to pay access fees at airport toll gates nationwide. This decision, ending decades of tradition, is a testament to his willingness to challenge the status quo in pursuit of progress.
Another monumental achievement under Keyamo’s watch was the United States-Nigeria Open Skies Air Transport Agreement entering into force. This agreement will pave the way for Nigerian airlines, as long as they can show capacity and consistency, to operate more freely on this crucial route, marking a significant leap forward for the industry.
Keyamo’s relentless efforts to establish a standard Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility that’ll accommodate wide-body-aircraft in Nigeria are nearing fruition. This initiative is poised to be a game-changer, reducing reliance on foreign facilities and cutting costs for airlines—a testament to Keyamo’s forward-thinking approach.
Perhaps one of his biggest challenges, the National Carrier project, is being handled with the utmost care and precision. With the supervision of Mr. President, Keyamo is keen on ensuring that this initiative is not just another political gimmick but a sustainable and profitable venture that will stand the test of time.
To combat illegal private charters and boost revenue, Keyamo launched a task force dedicated to this purpose. This initiative is already yielding results, with increased revenue generation for the industry and enhanced regulatory compliance.
Keyamo’s tenure has also been marked by a firm stand against corruption and misconduct in the aviation sector. His crackdown on touts and corrupt officials at airports has restored a sense of order and discipline in these critical hubs, enhancing the overall experience for travelers.
The ongoing upgrades to airport infrastructure across the country are a direct result of Keyamo’s proactive approach. His focus on quality and efficiency is evident in the improved facilities that travelers are beginning to experience, setting a new standard for the industry.
As the Honourable Minister celebrates his first year in office, it is clear that his appointment was one of the most astute decisions of President Tinubu’s administration. In just one year, he has laid a solid foundation for what promises to be a transformative tenure. His leadership is not just about fixing immediate problems but about building a legacy of excellence that will endure long after he has left office.
This 21-gun salute is not just a tribute to his remarkable achievements but a signal of the great things yet to come. With Festus Keyamo at the helm, Nigeria’s aviation sector is set to soar to new heights, cementing its place on the global stage.
Comrade Onajite Usman is a public affairs analyst and commentator from Ubiaja, Edo State.