By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has condemned the Nigeria Air project initiated by the Buhari-led government, labeling it as fraudulent and emphasizing its suspension.
He criticized the lack of transparency and foreign involvement in what was supposed to be a national carrier, stressing the importance of indigenous ownership for the benefit of Nigerians. Keyamo also highlighted efforts to boost economic development in the aviation sector, such as the resumption of cargo flights and addressing issues like the second runway at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
He said the successful clearance of trapped funds of foreign airlines and efforts to prioritize and support local airlines to maximize the country’s benefits under various agreements. Keyamo noted the commencement of open sky operations with the United States, which would allow unrestricted flights, diverse aircraft deployment, and multiple entry points for Nigeria.