Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has issued a directive to suspend the Nigeria Air project. This decision was made during his visit to international airports in Lagos, where he was accompanied by Kabir Yusuf Mohammed, the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Keyamo also put a halt to previous arrangements made under his predecessor, Hadi Sirika, in order to conduct a thorough audit of aviation industry contracts. Additionally, he has suspended the concession project, citing the need for an honest assessment in service of the federal government (FG) and the Nigerian people.
The newly-appointed Minister of Aviation stated that this suspension will remain in effect until he briefs President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Keyamo expressed concern over the Nigeria Air project, which had been launched with much fanfare a few months ago, noting that it was initiated with a borrowed aircraft. He emphasized his commitment to providing a candid evaluation.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN)
The then-acting Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Captain Dapo Olumide, had disclosed that the aircraft unveiled during the previous administration’s final days in May was chartered from Ethiopian Airlines. This launch had raised suspicions, as the aircraft was reported to be over a decade old and had previously been in service with Ethiopian and Malawi Airlines. Both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation had labeled the Nigeria Air launch as fraudulent.
Keyamo also announced plans to shut down the old international terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos for renovation by October 1, 2023. He directed the relocation of private hangars to make way for the expansion of the new terminal. The Minister highlighted issues with the old terminal, including non-functional lifts, an unwelcoming atmosphere, and the absence of air conditioning. He noted that the new terminal, while available, had not been designed to accommodate large aircraft.
