By Tolu Meduna
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), on December 8, 2025, used the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Dialogue XSpace to address recent videos circulating on social media showing non-functional airport equipment and other operational challenges at Nigerian airports. The Minister explained that many of the facilities captured in the videos are located within terminals currently undergoing renovation, urging Nigerians to see the images in proper context.
According to him, major gateways, particularly the Lagos airport, are being rebuilt after decades of neglect, stressing that it is impossible to overhaul such facilities without temporary disruptions. He noted that passenger traffic has increased several times over projections made in the 1970s, while infrastructure remained largely unchanged, leading to the deterioration now being corrected. Smaller airports, he added, are being considered for concessioning to private investors to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and better passenger experience.
The Minister reiterated the five-point aviation agenda of the Tinubu administration, which focuses on strict safety compliance and improved ICAO ratings, support for local airlines to meet international standards, infrastructure development, human capacity building, and optimized revenue generation for the federal government. He emphasized that these priorities are guiding all current reforms in the sector.
Highlighting progress so far, Keyamo said the aviation industry has recorded notable reforms including digitalisation, radar modernisation, enhanced airport security, satellite-based navigation systems, and the introduction of a cashless policy at airports. He also disclosed that the removal of VIP exemptions from airport access fees is projected to generate about ₦10 billion annually for government coffers.
Nigeria’s aviation profile has also received a boost on the global stage with the hosting of its maiden International Air Show, which produced strategic partnerships with Boeing, Cranfield University, and Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management. These partnerships, the Minister said, are targeted at developing world-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities and deepening technical capacity within the country.
On the absence of a national carrier, Keyamo explained that airlines cannot thrive under bureaucratic control, citing historical failures caused by political interference and inefficiency. He noted that Nigeria now has one of the most privatized airline sectors in Africa, with about 13 active local airlines, which the government considers the true backbone of the industry and is committed to supporting.
He further explained that past airline failures were largely due to high insurance and leasing costs, weak investor confidence, and non-compliance with international leasing laws. Through reforms aligned with the Cape Town Convention, Nigeria’s compliance rating has improved significantly, from about 49.9 percent to 75.5 percent, restoring global confidence and enabling local airlines to access leased aircraft for the first time in over 15 years.
Addressing passenger complaints, the Minister acknowledged concerns over delays, cancellations, and baggage handling, attributing many of them to limited airline capacity and over-scheduling. He assured Nigerians that the NCAA has strengthened consumer protection enforcement, including fines and compensation for service failures, while long-term efforts focus on helping airlines access more aircraft and financing.
In his closing remarks, Keyamo stressed that aviation reforms are gradual and require patience. He cited early gains such as Nigerian airlines securing access to Heathrow and Gatwick routes, with plans to expand to the United States, Canada, and other destinations. He assured Nigerians that sustained reforms will lead to newer aircraft, lower fares, improved services, and a stronger aviation sector that ultimately serves the best interests of the traveling public.
*Tolu Meduna, Special Assistant Media, in the office of the Director General. National Orientation Agency