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Keyamo: Nigeria Poised to Be Africa’s Leading Aviation Hub

Nigeria has all it takes to dominate Africa’s aviation sector, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Keyamo highlighted the nation’s unique advantages, such as its large population, significant air traffic, and strategic geographic location.

“Nigeria is the most viable country in Africa when it comes to aviation largest population, largest traffic, and the most positioned country to be a hub in Africa. So, let us begin to attract people to come,” he stated.

Keyamo addressed the pressing need to overhaul aviation infrastructure, defending the government’s decision to host an airshow as a means to lure investors. He dismissed suggestions that all infrastructure challenges must be resolved before seeking investment, arguing that such delays could stall progress.

“The only way forward in terms of infrastructure is to attract private investors because budgetary allocations cannot carry the big infrastructure plan,” Keyamo explained. He pointed to the president’s Renewed Hope Fund, designed to provide counterpart funding for major projects, as a critical enabler that requires private-sector collaboration to achieve success.

Acknowledging reports of passenger harassment at Nigerian airports often involving security personnel Keyamo stressed that the aviation ministry is not directly responsible for these incidents but is actively working to address them.

“We have complained to the National Security Adviser (NSA) on this because we are concerned about the harassment of Nigerians. It is not aviation; it is not Keyamo. People tag me all the time, but these incidents involve other agencies,” he said.

To curb such issues, Keyamo revealed that NSA Nuhu Ribadu has introduced 1,000 body cameras for security officers at airports, a move aimed at improving monitoring and accountability.

Looking ahead, the minister reaffirmed his dedication to transforming Nigeria into a global aviation leader. He described initiatives like airshows as pivotal in attracting international investors. “An airshow is when you open up the country for investors to come and display their wares,” Keyamo remarked, expressing optimism about the sector’s future.

With its abundant potential and ongoing reforms, Nigeria is positioning itself as Africa’s aviation hub, inviting both local and foreign stakeholders to be part of its upward trajectory.

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