Keyamo, Okpebholo Deepen Talks on Edo Indigenous Airline, Technical Committee Inaugurated
Fresh momentum has been injected into plans to establish an indigenous airline for Edo State following a strategic meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in Abuja.
The Governor, who paid a courtesy visit to the Minister alongside senior members of his cabinet, said the engagement was aimed at fast-tracking the immediate activation of a homegrown airline to operate from the Benin Airport.
He described the aviation sector as a powerful enabler of economic growth, capable of unlocking new investment opportunities, boosting tourism and creating sustainable employment for Edo residents.
Okpebholo explained that the Edo State Government had begun concrete engagements with potential partners to ensure the airline becomes operational within the shortest possible time.
He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with foreign investors, including South African interests, who have indicated readiness to support the project by providing aircraft for the commencement of operations.
Emphasising the urgency of the project, the Governor noted that a functional indigenous airline would enhance connectivity to and from Edo State, reduce travel bottlenecks and position Benin City as a strategic aviation hub within the country.
He added that improved air access would strengthen the state’s competitiveness and open up its economy to greater domestic and international participation.
In his response, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention aligned with the Federal Government’s broader aviation development agenda.
Keyamo said the Ministry had also been engaging with investors who have shown growing interest in the commercial viability of Benin Airport and its surrounding infrastructure.
The Minister recalled that Benin Airport once played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s aviation history, particularly during the peak years of the defunct Okada Air, when it served as a major hub for the old Midwest region.
He expressed optimism that the airport could reclaim its former prominence, given the renewed focus on infrastructure development and private sector participation.
To accelerate the process, Keyamo announced the establishment of a technical committee to drive the project from conception to execution.
He requested the Edo State Government to nominate a liaison officer who would work closely with the Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry to ensure effective coordination, regulatory compliance and sound operational planning.
According to the Minister, the committee will submit weekly progress reports to both the Federal Ministry and the Edo State Government to ensure accountability and sustained momentum.
He added that, with strong collaboration between all stakeholders, Benin Airport could achieve full operational readiness between the first and second quarters of the year.
The meeting highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding regional air connectivity, supporting indigenous airline operations and encouraging state-driven aviation initiatives.
It also reflects the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, infrastructure development and inclusive growth across the country.
