Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has underscored the pivotal role of supporting local operators in revitalizing Nigeria’s economy. Keyamo emphasized the importance of bolstering domestic airlines to stimulate economic growth and ensure customer satisfaction.

During a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Newsnight programme, Keyamo reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing the survival and prosperity of local operators.

He emphasized that fostering a conducive environment for the success of indigenous airlines is paramount to achieving broader economic objectives.

“Support for local operators and their survival is key to revamping the economy and giving customer satisfaction in terms of pricing. 90% of those we preside over in the aviation industry are local operators. They are private sector people. So, if we don’t pay attention to them, what am I presiding over as aviation minister? One of the marching orders Mr President gave me is to pay attention to our local operators and make sure their businesses survive through government policies and programmes,” Keyamo stated.

Highlighting the significance of local airlines in driving economic activity, Keyamo outlined the government’s strategic focus on enhancing the operational capabilities of domestic carriers. He acknowledged the challenges faced by indigenous airlines, including high operational costs and regulatory constraints, and reaffirmed the government’s determination to address these issues.

Keyamo emphasized the need for targeted interventions aimed at improving the competitiveness and sustainability of local airlines. He pledged to implement policies and initiatives aimed at reducing operational costs, streamlining regulatory processes, and fostering innovation within the aviation sector.

Furthermore, Keyamo outlined plans to leverage Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities to enhance the efficiency of domestic airlines.

y investing in local MRO infrastructure, Keyamo aims to reduce reliance on foreign maintenance services, thereby lowering operational costs and bolstering the competitiveness of Nigerian carriers.

Keyamo reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting local operators and creating an enabling environment for their growth and success.

He emphasized that by empowering domestic airlines, Nigeria can unlock new economic opportunities, create jobs, and drive sustainable development across the aviation sector and the broader economy.