FG to Secure Survival of Domestic Airlines Through Policy Reforms, Says Shettima
The Federal Government has pledged to implement robust policies to ensure the survival and growth of domestic airlines, preventing the recurrence of past failures in the sector.
This commitment was reaffirmed on Thursday during the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s Conference on the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol Implementation in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, highlighted the alarming mortality rate of domestic airlines over the past four decades.
He emphasised the government’s resolve to address these challenges through strategic policy frameworks.
“It behooves us now to determine why these airlines failed and how to prevent such occurrences in the future. We must create a conducive business environment for them to thrive, rather than merely providing financial bailouts,” Keyamo said.
He noted that unlocking international markets for aircraft remains central to the government’s aviation reform agenda, with full compliance to the Cape Town Convention being pivotal.
Keyamo commended local operators for their resilience in navigating Nigeria’s challenging business environment, describing the Cape Town Convention as a transformative legal framework.
“This Convention has harmonised diverse global legal systems, fostering predictability and stability for aviation stakeholders. For Nigeria, it has enhanced our global standing, attracting increased investment and growth in aviation financing,” he said.
The Minister lauded recent milestones, including Federal High Court Practice Directions and an Advisory Circular, which have streamlined legal processes, enhanced jurisdictional clarity, and boosted Nigeria’s compliance index. These steps, he said, position Nigeria among global leaders in aviation governance.
Keyamo underscored the government’s prioritisation of local operators, a first in Nigeria’s aviation history.
“We have made commendable progress, but challenges such as aligning local laws with international standards persist. These challenges, however, present opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building,” he added.
Calling on stakeholders, he described the conference as a platform to shape a sustainable and globally competitive aviation industry.
He appealed to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to collaborate with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure seamless implementation of the Cape Town Convention.
“It’s not about sectorial battles. Customs must expedite processes to avoid delays in aircraft operations, and the EFCC should resolve ongoing issues hindering progress,” Keyamo urged.
The Acting Director-General of Civil Aviation in Nigeria, Captain Chris Najomo, aligned the Cape Town Convention with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, describing it as a pathway to modernising the aviation sector.
“Nigeria’s aviation sector holds immense potential for economic transformation, regional integration, and community connection. Our improved ranking on the Cape Town Convention Compliance Index reflects our progress,” Captain Najomo said.
He outlined the Convention’s benefits, including streamlined aircraft transactions, asset-based financing, and enhanced legal consistency through an international registry.
He also highlighted its alignment with global best practices, fostering confidence among international investors.
Participants at the conference praised Keyamo and Captain Najomo for their visionary leadership in advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Concluding his remarks, Mr Keyamo reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant and globally competitive aviation ecosystem.
“As we continue this transformative journey, I urge all stakeholders to leverage this conference as a springboard for sustained progress,” he stated.
The conference emphasises the Federal Government’s determination to reform Nigeria’s aviation industry, ensuring its contributions to national prosperity and global competitiveness.
