The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the Federal Government’s ongoing aviation reforms, insisting that the introduction of more domestic airlines will continue to lower airfares and improve service delivery through healthy competition.
Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Keyamo said the Tinubu administration’s policies are already yielding results, noting that domestic flight fares have dropped significantly compared to the festive season when ticket prices reached as high as ₦400,000 to ₦500,000.
According to the minister, increased competition among local airlines is forcing operators to offer more affordable fares while improving customer service.
“During Christmas, passengers paid between ₦400,000 and ₦500,000 for some domestic flights. Today, fares are around ₦100,000 because competition is driving prices down. We have opened the doors for more airlines,” Keyamo said.
He explained that Nigeria’s commercial aviation sector is witnessing an unprecedented rise in new airline operators, attributing the development to the business-friendly policies introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Keyamo noted that unlike previous administrations, the current government has created an environment that encourages investment in commercial aviation.
He highlighted the recent launch of Enugu Air and revealed that Caliphate Airlines is preparing to commence commercial flight operations from Sokoto.
According to him, these new entrants are expected to strengthen the domestic aviation industry while offering passengers more travel options.
The minister stressed that one of the administration’s priorities is ensuring the growth and sustainability of indigenous airlines.
He said supporting local operators would not only improve the aviation industry but also stimulate competition, leading to lower ticket prices and better services.
“It is only President Bola Tinubu’s administration that has deliberately made the growth and sustainability of local airlines a key agenda,” Keyamo stated.
Addressing concerns over the rising cost of aviation fuel, popularly known as Jet A1, Keyamo clarified that his ministry does not have the legal authority to regulate fuel prices.
He explained that aviation fuel pricing falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
However, he said the Aviation Ministry has continued to engage marketers and industry stakeholders in efforts to address the challenge.
According to the minister, recent spikes in Jet A1 prices were largely influenced by developments in the international oil market, including geopolitical tensions involving Iran.
He added that fuel prices have started showing signs of moderation in recent weeks.
Commenting on the recent runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport, Keyamo described the incident as isolated.
He attributed the occurrence to a slippery runway but urged Nigerians to avoid speculation until aviation safety investigators complete their findings.
The minister emphasized that aviation accident investigations must be allowed to run their full course before conclusions are drawn.
Keyamo also confirmed that the recent incident involving a private jet in Asaba was considered a security breach.
He disclosed that the pilot and crew members had been taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) for questioning while investigations continue.
Although he declined to reveal further details, he assured Nigerians that relevant security agencies were handling the matter.
The aviation minister further disclosed that the Federal Government is considering concessioning additional airports, particularly those that are currently operating at a loss.
According to him, allowing private investors to manage such airports would reduce the financial burden on government while improving infrastructure, operational efficiency and service delivery.
Keyamo maintained that the Tinubu administration remains committed to building a safer, more competitive and economically viable aviation sector that will ultimately benefit passengers and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
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