The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Nigerian aviation sector through strategic policies that prioritize local economic growth, workers’ rights, and infrastructural development.
Speaking at the Aviation Stakeholders’ Forum held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, the Minister emphasized the need for foreign airlines to patronize indigenous caterers, reiterating his stance that compliance would be a key determinant in approving airline schedules.
“I have said it before, and I am saying it again—foreign airlines should patronize indigenous caterers. Otherwise, I will not sign the summer schedule,” Keyamo stated. He then directed the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, to commence immediate engagement with the concerned airlines to ensure compliance with this directive.
The event was attended by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Abubakar D. Kana along with key aviation agency heads, including Director-General, NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo; Managing Director/CEO, FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku; Director General NiMET, Prof. Charles Anosike; Managing Director, NAMA, Engr Farouk Umar (represented by the Director of Air Travel Services). Mr. John Tayo Others are Registrar, African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) Mustapha Sheik Abdullahi and Directors across aviation agencies.
During the engagement, the Minister 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.
Furthermore, the Minister assured union representatives that they would be actively involved in discussions concerning the concession of airports, emphasizing 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.
