Nigeria is the most viable country for aviation market in Africa – Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stated that Nigeria remains the most viable aviation market in Africa, with the potential to become a key aviation hub on the continent. Speaking on a Channels Television program, Keyamo emphasized Nigeria’s strategic position in the aviation sector, saying, “Nigeria is the most viable country in Africa when it comes to aviation, largest population, largest traffic, most positioned country to be a hub in Africa. So, let us begin to attract people to come.”

When questioned about his bid to host an airshow in Nigeria despite ongoing infrastructure challenges in the aviation sector, Keyamo acknowledged that while the country has not yet completed all the necessary improvements, this should not prevent efforts to attract investors. “The fact that Nigeria has not fixed everything does not mean it will not try and advertise itself to bring in investors into the country,” he explained.

Keyamo further highlighted the need for private investment to address the country’s infrastructure needs, noting that government budget allocations alone cannot support the ambitious plans required. “The only way forward in terms of infrastructure is to attract private investors because budgetary allocations cannot carry the big infrastructure plan,” he said. He also mentioned the establishment of the Renewed Hope Fund by President Muhammadu Buhari to support these efforts, although it would only provide counterpart funding for major projects. “It will not provide the full funding for some big infrastructure. So, what do we want to do?” he asked.

In addition, Keyamo spoke about the importance of hosting an airshow in Nigeria, explaining that it would provide an opportunity to showcase the country to potential investors. “We have gone round the world and seen airshows across the world, Nigeria has not held an airshow before. An airshow is when you open up the country for investors to come and display their wares.”

The Minister also addressed concerns regarding the activities of security operatives at Nigerian airports. Keyamo expressed his ministry’s concern over reports of harassment faced by passengers, revealing that the aviation ministry has raised the issue with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. “We have complained to the National Security Adviser on this because we are concerned about the harassment of Nigerians. Take note, it is not aviation, it is not Keyamo, I see people tagging me all the time, ‘somebody just asked for a bribe from me’, but it is somebody from another agency,” Keyamo clarified. He urged the public to understand that the issue stems from other security agencies and not the aviation sector.

Keyamo also shared an update on efforts to improve airport security, noting that the NSA has provided security agencies with about 1,000 body cameras to better monitor activities at the country’s airports.