The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have expressed their support and commendation for the decision of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to suspend activities related to the implementation of Nigeria Air, the national carrier, and other aviation projects.
In a statement issued by AON spokesperson Prof Obiora Okonkwo, the association thanked Minister Keyamo for displaying courage and patriotism in an effort to prevent further embarrassment to Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Keyamo suspended the Nigeria Air project and airport concession initiatives during his visit to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. He stated that these projects would remain suspended until he had the opportunity to brief President Bola Tinubu on his findings.
The AON’s statement praised Minister Keyamo for taking this action, noting that the Nigeria Air project had been marked by a lack of transparency and was widely criticized, with the House of Representatives Committees on Aviation describing it as a “fraud.”
The AON, along with other aviation industry stakeholders, had long held the belief that the Nigeria Air project was ill-conceived and lacking in transparency. The suspension of the project is seen as an opportunity for a thorough review and a chance to rectify the situation.
The AON expressed concerns that the terms set out for the national carrier under the previous administration could have detrimental effects on Nigeria’s aviation sector, potentially leading to the dominance of Ethiopian Airlines. They believe that Minister Keyamo’s vision and leadership will contribute to the development of the aviation sector and overall benefit to the Nigerian economy.
The AON pledged its unalloyed support to the minister’s efforts to reform the aviation sector and implement the aviation roadmap for the country’s economic growth.
This move by Minister Keyamo is seen as a step towards ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation industry operates efficiently and transparently, which is crucial for its development and global recognition.
