Latest news with #FestusKeyamo
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: $300 helicopter levy, oil firms, operators shun NAMA's ultimatum
Oil companies and helicopter operators have shunned the seven-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to comply with the $300 helicopter landing levy introduced by the federal government. Despite the threat of enforcement action including the possible denial of flight startups at oil rigs the operators have refused to make payments, insisting the levy lacks legal and regulatory backing. The levy, introduced during the previous administration through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, mandates helicopter operators to pay a $300 fee for landings at oil rigs, terminals, helipads, airstrips, and other platforms. The fee is administered through a private consultant, Naebi Dynamic Concept. Although temporarily suspended in May 2024 by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo pending a review, the suspension was later lifted through a circular signed by Akut D.S., General Manager, Air Traffic Control Operations, NAMA. On June 24, 2025, NAMA published an advertorial titled, 'Enforcement of Helicopter Landing Levies for Air Navigation Services in Oil Fields, Terminals, Rigs, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Units, Helipads, Airstrips, and Aerodromes,' urging all affected operators to comply within seven days. According to NAMA, 'these proactive efforts have not yielded the desired compliance, due to the influence of certain individuals who have worked with them against adherence to established regulatory requirements.' NAMA defended the levy, stating, 'The enforcement of helicopter landing levies aligns with Global Best Practices and is currently implemented across International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) member states in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.' The agency added that these levies are necessary to maintain and upgrade modern air navigation infrastructure, particularly with the increased operation of helicopters, drones, and fixed-wing aircraft in Nigeria's airspace. Despite the expiration of the ultimatum, there has been no compliance from the operators. A source in NAMA disclosed that the agency is in a fix and yet to take decisive action. 'They are being defiant. They don't want to pay, and you know the industry is divided. From what I learnt, NAMA will still contact the operators and the Minister is fully in charge,' the source told Daily Trust. Operators have maintained that the levy is unjustified. One industry player said, 'Already we pay all statutory charges as stipulated by law. Why the $300 levy again?' Managing Director and CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, called on the federal government to scrap the levy, saying it does not align with ICAO standards. 'That $300 fee is not part of ICAO charges for cost recovery. If there's an investment in navigation or communication infrastructure, then it can be justified. But in this case, there's no such investment,' he said. Also weighing in, Roland Iyayi, a trustee of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), said the levy places an additional burden on an already overtaxed industry. 'When this matter came up during Hadi Sirika's time, we shut it down. It was clear that introducing this levy would be harmful to the industry,' Iyayi noted. He warned that revenue generated from aviation must be reinvested in the sector, lamenting that the new levy appears to divert funds elsewhere.
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Keyamo commissions modern airport terminal
The Sokoto State Government has commissioned a newly reconstructed airport access road and a modern VIP terminal building at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the state as a key gateway in Nigeria's aviation and economic landscape. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal and praised the quality of leadership exhibited in the state. 'This is not my first time in Sokoto; I was here last year to commission the Hajj terminal,' Keyamo recalled. 'What I see today is clear evidence that you have a governor who knows what to do and has a bold vision for his people.' The minister emphasized that the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the current administration's policies have empowered governors to exceed expectations. 'As I drove through the newly reconstructed road, I said to myself: Sokoto is fast becoming a gateway to the nation,' he stated. 'With the kind of leadership I have seen here, I am confident that this state is on solid footing.' Governor Ahmed Aliyu, while speaking at the event, revealed that the airport and its access road were in a deplorable state for several years, following an abandoned contract by the previous administration. He noted that his government re-awarded and completed the projects with a focus on quality and long-term impact. According to him, the road reconstruction and beautification were completed at a cost of ₦1,264,516,255.50, while the construction of the state-of-the-art VIP terminal building was executed at ₦1,501,116,683.48. 'We are building a new Sokoto — one that can compare not only with other cities in Nigeria but with modern cities across the world,' the governor declared. The Sokoto airport infrastructure development initiative took a further leap as Governor Aliyu announced the commencement of a new terminal project, with the foundation-laying ceremony performed by Minister Keyamo. The new terminal, he said, will feature cutting-edge equipment and meet global standards. Governor Aliyu used the occasion to express the state's firm support for President Tinubu, assuring that the people of Sokoto remain solidly behind his administration and reform efforts. The event was attended by top government officials, traditional leaders, aviation stakeholders, and members of the public, all of whom applauded the state's transformation agenda. The Sokoto airport infrastructure development stands as a model of visionary governance and federal-state collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to modernization and economic growth. With continued investments like these, the Sokoto airport infrastructure development is expected to position the state as a vital transportation and commercial hub in Northern Nigeria.
Zawya
28-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
Badaru, stakeholders hold strategic meeting to end violations of Nigeria's airspace
In an effort to strengthen Nigeria's national security in the nation's airports, Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, convened a meeting to tackle violations of Nigeria's airspace by foreign aircraft. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday at the Minister's Conference Hall, Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja, was chaired by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. In attendance were the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad, and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, Chief of Air Staff, among other key stakeholders. In a statement issued by his media aide, Mati Ali noted that the primary objective of the meeting was to review and implement strategies aimed at curbing unauthorised entry and other violations of Nigeria's airspace and addressing breaches of established aviation protocols by foreign operators. The session brought together senior security officials and aviation experts to deliberate on coordinated enforcement measures and the enhancement of surveillance and response mechanisms. 'The photograph from the meeting shows the Minister of Defence flanked by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, alongside other high-ranking officials. 'This development underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's sovereignty and ensuring strict compliance with international aviation standards,' the statement noted.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria's aviation sector on the cusp of transformation
NIGERIA'S aviation industry is poised for a major overhaul in 2025, driven by wide-ranging policy reforms, infrastructure enhancements, and increased private sector involvement. The sector, a critical element in Nigeria's transportation system and economy, has seen significant developments in recent years. With 20 airports, numerous regulated airstrips and heliports, 23 active domestic airlines, 554 licensed pilots, 913 licensed engineers, and 1,700 cabin personnel, the industry is a vital component of the country›s economy. The Nigerian aviation sector has been bolstered by the country›s improved aviation infrastructural facilities, including state-of-the-art navigational aids, modern weather forecasting equipment, and highly skilled manpower. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been instrumental in regulating the industry, ensuring compliance with international standards and recommended practices. The authority›s efforts, with the backing of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, have led to Nigeria›s recent removal from the Cape Town Convention aircraft leasing risk list, enabling local airlines to access low-cost, long-term aircraft financing under dry lease agreements. Several key developments and reforms are expected to drive growth in the aviation sector. The federal government›s plan to introduce airport concessions in 2025, inviting private sector participation to modernize airport infrastructure and boost operational efficiency, is a significant step in this direction. This move is expected to attract significant investment, improve airport facilities, and enhance the overall passenger experience. According to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airport concessions can lead to a 20-30 per cent increase in passenger traffic and a 15-20 per cent increase in airport revenue. Aditionally, the soon-to-be-completed Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Ibom Air in Akwa Ibom State will reduce the need for costly overseas aircraft maintenance and ease foreign exchange pressures on local operators. The MRO facility is expected to save the industry approximately $100 million annually in maintenance costs. Efforts to resolve issues surrounding the delayed Nigeria Air project and the broader push for a national carrier are also expected to gain momentum this year. The NCAA has also enacted crucial changes, including the establishment of a Consumer Protection Directorate aimed at addressing issues like flight delays, sudden fare increases, and cancellations. This move is expected to provide greater protection for passengers and promote a more customer-centric approach within the industry. According to a report by the Consumer Protection Directorate, the number of passenger complaints has decreased by 30 per cent since the establishment of the directorate. Despite these developments, challenges persist in the aviation sector. Persistent funding limitations have prompted renewed calls for the establishment of a dedicated aviation bank to support the growth of the industry. Another clog is the erratic supply of Jet A1 fuel, which continues to hinder operations, with stakeholders urging the Ministry of Aviation to work with Dangote Refinery for a reliable fuel supply chain. This issue has resulted in significant costs for airlines, which are often forced to rely on expensive alternative sources. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the recent installation of airfield lighting systems at Murtala Muhammed Airport›s Runway 18R, are critical to supporting the growth of the industry. These upgrades will enable airports to operate safely and efficiently, even in low-visibility conditions, and will help to reduce delays and cancellations. According to a report by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the installation of airfield lighting systems has reduced the number of flight delays by 25 per cent. The growth prospects for Nigeria›s aviation sector are promising, driven by the country›s large population and increasing demand for air travel. With over 80 active Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) and a strong international travel market, industry experts see significant potential for growth. Domestic airlines, such as Air Peace, are expanding their footprint across West and Central Africa, while the growth of e-commerce is fueling demand for air cargo services. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the aviation industry is expected to contribute approximately 2.5 percent to Nigeria›s GDP by 2025. The report also notes that the industry will support over 200,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it is expected to play a critical role in supporting the country›s economic growth and development. With its robust infrastructure, skilled manpower, and growing demand for air travel, Nigeria›s aviation sector is well-positioned for a major transformation this year and beyond. The sector›s expected growth will not only enhance connectivity within the country but also position Nigeria as a key player in the global aviation industry. By and large, Nigeria's aviation sector is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by policy reforms, infrastructure enhancements, and increased private sector involvement. While challenges persist, the growth prospects for the industry are promising, and the sector is expected to play a critical role in supporting the country›s economic growth and development. With the right support and investment, Nigeria›s aviation sector can become a major driver of economic growth, creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and enhancing the country›s global connectivity. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria seals direct air link deal with Brazil as Keyamo meets counterpart
In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations and fostering connectivity between Africa and South America, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, met with his Brazilian counterpart, the Minister of Ports and Airports of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mr Silvio Costa Filho, at the Ministry's headquarters in Brasília. According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, the high-level meeting marked a renewed commitment by both countries to finalise a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that has long been stalled by bureaucratic bottlenecks. Both Ministers recalled the deep historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil and agreed on the urgent need to operationalise a direct air link between the two nations. To this end, the Ministers jointly announced the immediate formation of a technical working group tasked with drafting and harmonising the BASA for signature within the coming weeks. According to the statement, 'this development is seen as a precursor to the commencement of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil — a major milestone that will open up new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.' Speaking through an interpreter during the bilateral engagement, the Aviation Minister emphasised the mutual benefits of the initiative, saying, 'this is going to be a symbiotic relationship — beneficial to you and beneficial to us. Nigeria is the largest country in Africa, and Brazil is one of the biggest in South America. No matter how we want to look at it, this air link must commence without delay.' Highlighting the unique cultural connection between the two nations, Keyamo stated, 'Nigeria and Brazil share a common history. 'We are like brothers and sisters. There is a particular tribe in Nigeria — the Yoruba — who live here in Brazil and still speak the same language. We are like twins separated at birth and now reunited.' Beyond air connectivity, both Ministers expressed keen interest in exploring additional areas of cooperation in aviation and aerospace development, including knowledge exchange, technical training, infrastructure development, and investment opportunities.
