As a concerned citizen and stakeholder in Nigeria’s progress, I offer my candid assessment of Festus Keyamo’s leadership. His innovative approach to nation-building has ignited a sense of hope and optimism among Nigerians. With a keen eye for strategic partnerships and a deep understanding of the complexities of national development, Keyamo is redefining the contours of leadership in Nigeria. In this article, I will share my perspective on the key initiatives and policies that have marked his tenure and explore the implications of his vision for Nigeria’s future.

Recently, it’s quite notable that Nigeria’s aviation sector has been experiencing a remarkable transformation and growth, courtesy of the presence and actions of a bold and visionary leader piloting the affairs of the aviator sector in the right direction, in the person of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Featus Keyamo, SAN. Since his appointment in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has positioned himself as a critical force in reshaping the sector. Through visionary partnerships, trailblazing policies, and an unshakeable dedication to excellence, Festus Keyamo has elevated Nigeria’s aviation sector to unprecedented global prominence.

Being a formidable strategist and critical analyst, his actions aligned seamlessly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritising economic growth and infrastructural development and creating a positive global image for Nigeria. Keyamo’s efforts to modernise the aviation sector show his profound understanding of the industry’s potential to catalyse national development.

Keyamo’s leadership has been characterised by a strong emphasis on enhancing safety standards and modernising infrastructure. This focus has yielded significant results, particularly in Nigeria’s compliance with the Cape Town Convention. The country’s compliance index has increased substantially, from 49.5 per cent to 75.5 per cent, marking a major improvement.

This enhanced compliance has addressed a longstanding challenge in the aviation sector: airlines’ difficulty in acquiring modern fleets due to high leasing costs. Keyamo’s efforts have improved Nigeria’s creditworthiness and regulatory framework, facilitating airlines’ access to modern fleets and enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Safety has also been a focal point in Keyamo’s partnership with Boeing. The Working-Together Agreement (MoU) between Nigeria and Boeing prioritises the development of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, safety programs, talent development, and operational efficiency. This partnership reduces Nigeria’s reliance on foreign MRO facilities and positions Nigeria as a hub for aviation maintenance in Africa.

Festus Keyamo’s tenure has been defined by his relentless pursuit of excellence in aviation safety and convenience. To achieve this, he has spearheaded strategic policy overhauls and cutting-edge infrastructure upgrades that have revolutionised the passenger experience and supercharged airport efficiency.

The dramatic transformation of the Lagos terminal and Abuja’s second runway attests to his vision, which is poised to enhance capacity and significantly slash delays. Furthermore, Keyamo has championed a sweeping review of airport concession agreements, injecting transparency, efficiency, and world-class standards into the mix. This bold move has created fertile ground for private sector investment, a vital catalyst for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

By taking these actions, Keyamo has demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of infrastructure as the backbone of a thriving aviation sector. His efforts are not merely about adding facilities but ensuring that they meet international standards and cater to the needs of an increasingly mobile population.

Another significant achievement under Keyamo’s leadership is the finalisation of key Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs). These agreements have integrated Nigeria more deeply into the global aviation ecosystem, facilitating easier and more efficient air travel between Nigeria and other countries under mutual benefits. In essence, BASAs improve Nigeria’s image internationally while promoting tourism and trade by enhancing connectivity and cultivating alliances with foreign airlines. This aligns with Keyamo’s overarching objective of utilising the aviation industry to enhance the nation’s reputation abroad.

Keyamo’s participation in the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin, Ireland, earlier this year revealed his commitment to global integration. In his fireside chat with Phillip Tozer-Pennington, Managing Director of Aviation News Limited, Keyamo highlighted the transformative strides in Nigeria’s aviation sector and reaffirmed the collective drive to ensure a brighter, more connected future. He sees the Nigerian aviation sector functioning maximally on a global scale.

Having attended the same conference in Dublin, I can attest to the Hon. Minister’s infectious passion and tireless efforts to propel Nigeria’s aviation sector to new heights. His visionary leadership and commitment to global best practices left an indelible mark on the conference. I firmly believe our aviation sector is poised for unprecedented success under his guidance.

One of the defining features of Keyamo’s leadership style is his collaborative acumen and ability to bring stakeholders together to address key challenges and chart a unified course for the industry. His engagement with airlines, insurers, regional banks, and global aviation giants like Boeing demonstrates a collaborative approach prioritising the common good over individual interests. These partnerships have been instrumental in addressing critical issues such as financing, safety, and capacity building. By fostering a culture of dialogue and collaboration, Keyamo has ensured that reforms are not only impactful but also sustainable.

The aviation sector has long been recognised as a driver of economic growth, and Keyamo’s initiatives have perfectly reinforced this role. For instance, developing local MRO facilities can create thousands of jobs and reduce the capital flight associated with outsourcing maintenance to foreign countries.

Moreover, improved airport infrastructure and increased connectivity have a multiplier effect on other sectors of the economy, including tourism, hospitality, and trade. Keyamo lays the groundwork for long-term economic growth and development by positioning Nigeria as an African aviation hub.

While Keyamo’s achievements are laudable, the journey is far from over. The aviation sector still faces challenges such as high operational costs, currency devaluation, and the need for further infrastructural upgrades. However, Keyamo’s proactive approach and strategic partnerships provide a solid foundation for addressing these issues.

The economic reforms under President Tinubu, including removing fuel subsidies and currency adjustments, have created a challenging operating environment for airlines. However, these reforms are also necessary for long-term economic stability. Keyamo’s ability to navigate these complexities and implement policies that cushion the aviation sector’s impact is critical and will remain applicable for many years.

Nigeria’s aviation sector will undoubtedly continue to evolve and sustain the momentum generated by Keyamo’s leadership for a very long time. This requires maintaining the policies and partnerships already in place and adapting to emerging trends and challenges.

Keyamo has set a high standard for what can be achieved in the aviation sector. His focus on collaboration, innovation, and global integration should serve as a blueprint for future leaders. By staying the course and building on his achievements, Nigeria can solidify its position as a leader in African aviation.

Festus Keyamo has elevated the nation’s aviation sector to unprecedented heights through his strong commitment to global best practices. His actions align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflect a deep understanding of the aviation sector’s great potential for facilitating growth and improving Nigeria’s global standing.

Truly, Festus Keyamo has raised the bar, and the nation is better for it.

Philip Agbese is the Deputy Spokesman of the Tenth National Assembly.