By
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The federal government says it will no longer invest public funds in the establishment of a national airline but is open to proposals from private and public entities, both local and foreign.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made the announcement on Sunday via a post on X, reiterating comments he made on Friday during the launch of 100 Years of Civil Aviation In Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects, a book authored by aviation journalist Wole Shadare.
According to Keyamo, the government is shifting focus from direct investment in a national carrier to policy reforms aimed at strengthening local airlines. “The correct story should be that the FG will not invest a dime in establishing a National Carrier,” he said, “but is always open to proposals from private or public entities, both in and out of the country, that truly benefit Nigeria and Nigerians.”
The minister highlighted recent reforms, such as revised insurance rules on leased aircraft, which have helped domestic operators acquire more planes leading to a drop in ticket prices and improved competition with international carriers.
While the idea of a government-backed national airline has long been discussed in Nigeria, this shift marks a significant policy direction. Industry stakeholders are expected to respond with fresh proposals aimed at filling the gap left by previous national carrier efforts.
Keyamo emphasized that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for the aviation sector through supportive regulation and strategic partnerships.
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