Latest news with #FestusKeyamo
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Keyamo commissions modern airport terminal
The Sokoto State Government has commissioned a newly reconstructed airport access road and a modern VIP terminal building at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the state as a key gateway in Nigeria's aviation and economic landscape. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal and praised the quality of leadership exhibited in the state. 'This is not my first time in Sokoto; I was here last year to commission the Hajj terminal,' Keyamo recalled. 'What I see today is clear evidence that you have a governor who knows what to do and has a bold vision for his people.' The minister emphasized that the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the current administration's policies have empowered governors to exceed expectations. 'As I drove through the newly reconstructed road, I said to myself: Sokoto is fast becoming a gateway to the nation,' he stated. 'With the kind of leadership I have seen here, I am confident that this state is on solid footing.' Governor Ahmed Aliyu, while speaking at the event, revealed that the airport and its access road were in a deplorable state for several years, following an abandoned contract by the previous administration. He noted that his government re-awarded and completed the projects with a focus on quality and long-term impact. According to him, the road reconstruction and beautification were completed at a cost of ₦1,264,516,255.50, while the construction of the state-of-the-art VIP terminal building was executed at ₦1,501,116,683.48. 'We are building a new Sokoto — one that can compare not only with other cities in Nigeria but with modern cities across the world,' the governor declared. The Sokoto airport infrastructure development initiative took a further leap as Governor Aliyu announced the commencement of a new terminal project, with the foundation-laying ceremony performed by Minister Keyamo. The new terminal, he said, will feature cutting-edge equipment and meet global standards. Governor Aliyu used the occasion to express the state's firm support for President Tinubu, assuring that the people of Sokoto remain solidly behind his administration and reform efforts. The event was attended by top government officials, traditional leaders, aviation stakeholders, and members of the public, all of whom applauded the state's transformation agenda. The Sokoto airport infrastructure development stands as a model of visionary governance and federal-state collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to modernization and economic growth. With continued investments like these, the Sokoto airport infrastructure development is expected to position the state as a vital transportation and commercial hub in Northern Nigeria.
Zawya
28-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
Badaru, stakeholders hold strategic meeting to end violations of Nigeria's airspace
In an effort to strengthen Nigeria's national security in the nation's airports, Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, convened a meeting to tackle violations of Nigeria's airspace by foreign aircraft. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday at the Minister's Conference Hall, Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja, was chaired by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. In attendance were the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad, and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, Chief of Air Staff, among other key stakeholders. In a statement issued by his media aide, Mati Ali noted that the primary objective of the meeting was to review and implement strategies aimed at curbing unauthorised entry and other violations of Nigeria's airspace and addressing breaches of established aviation protocols by foreign operators. The session brought together senior security officials and aviation experts to deliberate on coordinated enforcement measures and the enhancement of surveillance and response mechanisms. 'The photograph from the meeting shows the Minister of Defence flanked by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, alongside other high-ranking officials. 'This development underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty and ensuring strict compliance with international aviation standards,' the statement noted.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria's aviation sector on the cusp of transformation
NIGERIA'S aviation industry is poised for a major overhaul in 2025, driven by wide-ranging policy reforms, infrastructure enhancements, and increased private sector involvement. The sector, a critical element in Nigeria's transportation system and economy, has seen significant developments in recent years. With 20 airports, numerous regulated airstrips and heliports, 23 active domestic airlines, 554 licensed pilots, 913 licensed engineers, and 1,700 cabin personnel, the industry is a vital component of the country›s economy. The Nigerian aviation sector has been bolstered by the country›s improved aviation infrastructural facilities, including state-of-the-art navigational aids, modern weather forecasting equipment, and highly skilled manpower. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been instrumental in regulating the industry, ensuring compliance with international standards and recommended practices. The authority›s efforts, with the backing of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, have led to Nigeria›s recent removal from the Cape Town Convention aircraft leasing risk list, enabling local airlines to access low-cost, long-term aircraft financing under dry lease agreements. Several key developments and reforms are expected to drive growth in the aviation sector. The federal government›s plan to introduce airport concessions in 2025, inviting private sector participation to modernize airport infrastructure and boost operational efficiency, is a significant step in this direction. This move is expected to attract significant investment, improve airport facilities, and enhance the overall passenger experience. According to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airport concessions can lead to a 20-30 per cent increase in passenger traffic and a 15-20 per cent increase in airport revenue. Aditionally, the soon-to-be-completed Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Ibom Air in Akwa Ibom State will reduce the need for costly overseas aircraft maintenance and ease foreign exchange pressures on local operators. The MRO facility is expected to save the industry approximately $100 million annually in maintenance costs. Efforts to resolve issues surrounding the delayed Nigeria Air project and the broader push for a national carrier are also expected to gain momentum this year. The NCAA has also enacted crucial changes, including the establishment of a Consumer Protection Directorate aimed at addressing issues like flight delays, sudden fare increases, and cancellations. This move is expected to provide greater protection for passengers and promote a more customer-centric approach within the industry. According to a report by the Consumer Protection Directorate, the number of passenger complaints has decreased by 30 per cent since the establishment of the directorate. Despite these developments, challenges persist in the aviation sector. Persistent funding limitations have prompted renewed calls for the establishment of a dedicated aviation bank to support the growth of the industry. Another clog is the erratic supply of Jet A1 fuel, which continues to hinder operations, with stakeholders urging the Ministry of Aviation to work with Dangote Refinery for a reliable fuel supply chain. This issue has resulted in significant costs for airlines, which are often forced to rely on expensive alternative sources. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the recent installation of airfield lighting systems at Murtala Muhammed Airport›s Runway 18R, are critical to supporting the growth of the industry. These upgrades will enable airports to operate safely and efficiently, even in low-visibility conditions, and will help to reduce delays and cancellations. According to a report by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the installation of airfield lighting systems has reduced the number of flight delays by 25 per cent. The growth prospects for Nigeria›s aviation sector are promising, driven by the country›s large population and increasing demand for air travel. With over 80 active Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) and a strong international travel market, industry experts see significant potential for growth. Domestic airlines, such as Air Peace, are expanding their footprint across West and Central Africa, while the growth of e-commerce is fueling demand for air cargo services. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the aviation industry is expected to contribute approximately 2.5 percent to Nigeria›s GDP by 2025. The report also notes that the industry will support over 200,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it is expected to play a critical role in supporting the country›s economic growth and development. With its robust infrastructure, skilled manpower, and growing demand for air travel, Nigeria›s aviation sector is well-positioned for a major transformation this year and beyond. The sector›s expected growth will not only enhance connectivity within the country but also position Nigeria as a key player in the global aviation industry. By and large, Nigeria's aviation sector is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by policy reforms, infrastructure enhancements, and increased private sector involvement. While challenges persist, the growth prospects for the industry are promising, and the sector is expected to play a critical role in supporting the country›s economic growth and development. With the right support and investment, Nigeria›s aviation sector can become a major driver of economic growth, creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and enhancing the country›s global connectivity. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria seals direct air link deal with Brazil as Keyamo meets counterpart
In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations and fostering connectivity between Africa and South America, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, met with his Brazilian counterpart, the Minister of Ports and Airports of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mr Silvio Costa Filho, at the Ministry's headquarters in Brasília. According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, the high-level meeting marked a renewed commitment by both countries to finalise a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that has long been stalled by bureaucratic bottlenecks. Both Ministers recalled the deep historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil and agreed on the urgent need to operationalise a direct air link between the two nations. To this end, the Ministers jointly announced the immediate formation of a technical working group tasked with drafting and harmonising the BASA for signature within the coming weeks. According to the statement, 'this development is seen as a precursor to the commencement of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil — a major milestone that will open up new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.' Speaking through an interpreter during the bilateral engagement, the Aviation Minister emphasised the mutual benefits of the initiative, saying, 'this is going to be a symbiotic relationship — beneficial to you and beneficial to us. Nigeria is the largest country in Africa, and Brazil is one of the biggest in South America. No matter how we want to look at it, this air link must commence without delay.' Highlighting the unique cultural connection between the two nations, Keyamo stated, 'Nigeria and Brazil share a common history. 'We are like brothers and sisters. There is a particular tribe in Nigeria — the Yoruba — who live here in Brazil and still speak the same language. We are like twins separated at birth and now reunited.' Beyond air connectivity, both Ministers expressed keen interest in exploring additional areas of cooperation in aviation and aerospace development, including knowledge exchange, technical training, infrastructure development, and investment opportunities.
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
NiMet strike: Why airports dey depend on meteorological agencies?
Nigeria airports see kasala after di country meteorological agency NiMet go on strike over unpaid wages. Flight delays and cancellations happen for Lagos, Abuja and Kano airports. Workers from NiMet march for di street of Lagos, wit placards wey read: "No weather, no flight; fly at your own risk." While one airline, United Nigeria Airlines, say dem bin dey find alternative sources for weather information, anoda airline, Air Peace, bin announce di suspension of all flight operations on Thursday. Di strike now don dey called off for two weeks after Nigeria Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo meet with NiMet unions on Thursday. Dis na three key reasons why meteorology dey important to aviation: Safety While e dey safe to fly inside bad weather, meteorological agencies fit alert pilots to any significant weather hazards, like thunderstorms, icing or low visibility caused by low clouds or fog. Turbulence for flight dey very common, however thunderstorms fit make am more serious, putting passengers safety at risk. While turbulence dey highly unlikely to make plane crash, e dey known to cause severe injuries to passengers – and even death. Aviation forecasts fit also identify areas of Clear Air Turbulence (CAT), wey be wen temperature change create different wind speeds and direction. Pilots fit use dis weather information to den fly around areas of turbulence to minimise any danger or to cancel flight altogether. For Nigeria, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms dey more common at certain times of di year – e make weather information all modire important. "Any time you get widespread thunderstorm outbreak, e fit dey dangerous," George Delanjian, one aviation meteorologist based in US tok. "Lightening fit strike di aircraft and serious turbulence fit happen. In most cases, meteorologists know wen and wia thunderstorms go happen." Weather information dey also become more important for flight safety, sake of say some studies show say instances of serious turbulence dey increase, wey fit be due to climate change. Efficiency Information about di weather dey crucial for pilots wey dey prepare a flight plan. Di temperature, humidity, pressure and wind fit impact di ability to maintain a safe flying altitude and di ability to reach di destination with enough fuel. Information about jet streams – wey be strong bands of winds – fit help di plane to arrive more quickly at im destination. Flight plan fit also include alternate airports wey di plane fit divert too if change in weather conditions happen. "Meteorological agencies go provide information to airport as part of Meteorological Aerodrome Report [METAR] - wey be hourly reports wey show di current weather and Terminal Aerodrome Forecast [TAF] - wey give di forecast throughout di day," Simon King, BBC meteorologist tok. "Any pilot absolutely suppose get am to plan dia flights. For example, if di weather for di airport wia plane dey due to land no dey favourable, pilots fit dey aware of oda airports to divert to - while making sure say enough fuel dey to do so." So, weather reports no dey just about safety, dem dey also help airlines to save time, fuel and money. Ground operations Weather information dey just as important on di ground as e dey for di pilots in di sky. Meteorological agencies provide airports with information wey dey prepare dem for conditions wey fit affect di runway visibility and di ability to take off and land safely. In particular, pilots go dey look di forecasts for di speed and direction of di wind. Dis go affect di runway di pilot go use. Weather information fit also help make decisions on de-icing procedures, di loading and unloading of aircraft and re-fuelling. "If thunderstorm dey, planes no dey allowed to refuel in case of lightening," King add.
