Keyamo: Advancing Nation’s Aviation and Aerospace Development

President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has proven to be one of the best decisions made since he assumed office in May, 2023, writes Emameh Gabriel.

President Bola Tinubu must heave a sigh of relieve today as he stood by his choice, ignoring critics and trusting his instincts after appointing rights activist and lawyer, Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace. The President’s confidence in Keyamo has been validated, and his leadership has been instrumental in advancing the nation’s aviation and aerospace development.

In the last one year, the Nigerian aviation sector has witnessed unprecedented revolutions, thanks to the radical approach adopted by Keyamo, who has in a record time, designed new initiatives, implemented sweeping reforms that have revolutionised the sector, leaving stakeholders and industry experts and players in awe.

His appointment as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace was initially met with doubts and criticism from skeptics who questioned whether a lawyer could effectively lead the sector. Surprisingly, his impressive performance has silenced his critics and traducers and validated President Tinubu’s decision to appoint him.

The aviation sector in every country is not only a significant contributor to the economy, it also plays a vital role in facilitating global commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange. Globally, as the industry continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, countries that fail to keep up with the latest developments risk being left behind. This is particularly true for a country like Nigeria seeking to compete favourably with others in the aviation sector. To remain relevant and competitive, countries like ours must keep pace with these developments.

So, transforming reforms into tangible progress demands radical overhaul and someone with the necessary mindset and political will to implement such reforms. This is particularly crucial in a society like ours, where resistance to change is prevalent and reforms are often misconstrued as being counter to the people’s interests.

The President understands that the consequences of Nigeria failing to keep pace with other developing nations in aviation industry can be severe. He knows that countries that lag behind risk losing their competitive edge, missing out on economic opportunities, and struggling to attract foreign investment. He knows, in contrast, that countries that invest in modern aviation infrastructure, develop their human capital, and adopt new technologies can reap significant rewards and that Nigeria can enhance its economic competitiveness, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for its citizens through these reforms.

He is aware of the need to adopt new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), a crucial step for a country like ours seeking to stay ahead of the curve. He understands the importance to foster collaboration and cooperation with other nations, international organizations, and industry stakeholders to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices in aviation.

So, it is safe to say that President Tinubu’s decision demonstrates his understanding of the sector’s needs, for selecting someone whose expertise aligns perfectly with the role. He identified the sector’s deficiencies, and took a deliberate step to address them by recruiting a highly qualified Nigerian to provide the necessary leadership and direction.

In a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, while responding to critics who said he lacked experience to run the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development when President Tinubu appointed him, Keyamo explained that his job is to focus on the laws and drive policies that will move the sector forward. He attributed his success to his experience as a renowned lawyer and rights activist in the country.

According to him, his knowledge of the law has been instrumental in running the Aviation Ministry and navigating agreements like the one between Nigeria and Emirates. He cited the Capetown convention as an example, saying his predecessors struggled to understand the international law, but he was able to tackle it head-on due to his legal background.

Securing legal backing for Nigeria’s compliance with the Cape Town Convention, this breakthrough enables Nigerian airlines to acquire aircraft effortlessly, boosting their competitiveness in the global market.

The Federal High Court’s issuance of Practice Directions on the Cape Town Convention has been instrumental to this achievement. This development allows Nigerian carriers to lease aircraft at a lower cost and potentially remove the blacklist imposed on Nigerian operators for dry leasing equipment.

By implication, Keyamo’s efforts have opened up new opportunities for Nigerian airlines to expand their operations and compete with international carriers. This is a significant step forward for Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Last week, the Minister took another bold step on the ongoing reforms in the country’s aviation sector as he announced plans to appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals, who will conduct unscheduled visits to the airports, monitor staff conduct and assess the general hygiene and conditions of airports in the country.

These moves, according to a statement by the Minister’s media adviser, Tunde Moshood, are aimed at addressing the expectations of the traveling public and improving the overall airport experience.

Moshood said: “These key decisions are aimed at improving service delivery and environmental conditions at these facilities. In this regard, the Minister has approved the following initiatives:

“Appointment of voluntary Special Airport Marshals: The Minister, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals who are resident in cities where airports are located. These Marshals, comprising public-spirited individuals drawn from members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and representatives of State Governors, will conduct unscheduled visits to the airports. Their role will be to monitor staff conduct and assess the general hygiene and conditions of the airports.

“The voluntary Special Airport Marshals shall report directly to the Minister, who will issue necessary directives to FAAN based on their findings.

“With this initiative, the Minister will no longer rely solely on official reports from Airport Managers but will also consider independent observations from these voluntary Special Airport Marshals.

“This will bring an additional transparent layer of supervision to our airports as it will ensure that Airport Managers who receive monthly allocations for airport maintenance are held accountable for their responsibilities

Unscheduled Visits by the Minister

The Minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Director of FAAN, key directors of the Ministry and FAAN, and members of the Senate and House Committees on Aviation, will conduct unscheduled monthly inspections of airports nationwide.

During these visits, the Minister will personally participate in various operational activities, demonstrating leadership and emphasizing the value of diligent service. The Minister will also address airport staff, hear their complaints and encourage them to uphold professionalism and serve the public courteously.

Consultations and Appointments

Over the coming weeks, the Minister will engage stakeholders in consultations to identify and appoint suitable volunteers for the Special Airport Marshal roles. The names of the appointed Marshals will be publicly announced to ensure transparency and accountability.

These initiatives underscore the Minister’s commitment to maintaining high standards of service delivery and cleanliness at Nigerian airports, ensuring they meet the needs of the traveling public.

The last one year has seen Nigeria’s aviation sector taking a significant leap forward. The country is now gaining international recognition, attracting investors, and witnessing substantial boost in its ratings.

As a result, Nigerians both at home and abroad are regaining confidence in the country’s aviation sector. The Minister’s initiative has successfully put Nigeria’s airspace sector on the global map, making it an attractive destination for investment and growth.

With his numerous reforms, Keyamo embodies the qualities of a reform-driven politician. His commitment to reforms is evident in his stance to move from the past, giving full meaning to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This fervent commitment has instilled a culture of adherence among aviation stakeholders, ensuring the sector’s operations align with globally accepted standards.

He has successfully built coalitions and negotiated with various stakeholders to push through reforms. His leadership approach is distinguished by a distinctive fusion of principles, practical problem solving, and forward-thinking vision. His courage, conviction, and determination to take bold steps, make him a valuable asset to President Tinubu’s administration.

One of Keyamo’s top priorities has been to strengthen safety standards in the aviation sector. The Minister has overseen the implementation of more stringent regulatory frameworks, ensuring that airlines and aviation service providers operate in accordance with international best practices.

Several airports in the country are receiving facelift. His commitment to excellence have been instrumental in driving these reforms, and his efforts have earned him widespread acclaim from stakeholders and industry experts.

Furthermore, the minister has championed reforms tailored to foster an investor-friendly environment. These strategic initiatives seek to streamline processes, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and provide fiscal incentives to attract domestic and foreign investment.

Undesirable practices like touting, extortion, and illicit behavior are steadily declining, highlighting a revitalized dedication to providing a secure and hospitable environment for visitors upon arrival.

Although there are challenges, similar to the ancient city of Rome, which was built over time through perseverance and dedication, Nigeria’s aviation industry still has a significant journey ahead. However, with the minister’s bold and sweeping reforms currently underway, the prospect of Nigeria’s aviation sector competing favourably with its  counterparts globally is becoming increasingly possible and nearer than anticipated.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of its development journey, leaders like Keyamo will play a critical role in shaping the country’s future. As the aviation sector continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Keyamo’s legacy will be remembered as a turning point in the history of Nigeria’s aviation industry