By O’Diakpo Obire

Since his appointment as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in August 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN) has injected renewed vision, strategic discipline and measurable reforms into Nigeria’s aviation sector. He assumed office at a time when the industry was constrained by weak regulatory compliance, declining investor confidence, infrastructure deficits and a diminishing global reputation. Within a short period, his leadership has driven a notable turnaround, anchored on policy clarity, institutional reform and sustained stakeholder engagement.

Before Keyamo’s appointment, Nigeria’s aviation industry was weighed down by low compliance with international aviation treaties, particularly the Cape Town Convention, where compliance levels were below 50 percent. This translated into high aircraft leasing costs, limited access to modern fleets and reduced competitiveness for local airlines. In addition, over 800 million dollars in foreign airline revenues were trapped in the country due to foreign exchange constraints, prompting several international carriers to reduce or suspend operations. Airport infrastructure suffered years of underinvestment, while Nigeria’s aviation reputation weakened under global safety and compliance assessments.

Keyamo’s leadership immediately refocused the sector on credibility and reform. One of the most impactful interventions was the aggressive implementation of the Cape Town Convention and the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization framework. As a result, Nigeria’s compliance score rose to over 75 percent, placing the country among the top-performing aviation jurisdictions in Africa. This single reform has significantly lowered the risk perception of Nigerian aviation assets, improved access to aircraft leasing and enhanced investor confidence across the sector.

Equally significant was the resolution of the long-standing issue of trapped airline funds. Through coordinated engagement with the Central Bank of Nigeria and international carriers, over 95 percent of the previously trapped funds were cleared. This restored confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market, led to the return and expansion of international flight routes and strengthened Nigeria’s connectivity to key global destinations.

Infrastructure development has also witnessed renewed momentum under Keyamo’s stewardship. Runway rehabilitation, terminal upgrades and improvements in air navigation systems across major airports have enhanced safety and operational efficiency. The activation of new aviation infrastructure, including the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, has expanded Nigeria’s cargo capacity and supported agricultural exports. Strategic investments at key hubs such as Lagos and Abuja have improved passenger processing, safety standards and on-time performance.

Another critical pillar of the reform agenda has been the deliberate push to deepen local capacity. Partnerships with global aviation institutions and aircraft manufacturers have advanced plans for indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities, with major MRO projects already underway. These initiatives are expected to save Nigeria hundreds of millions of dollars annually in foreign exchange, create skilled employment and position the country as a regional aviation maintenance hub.

Institutional and governance reforms have further strengthened the sector. The digitalization of processes within the Ministry and its agencies has improved transparency, reduced bureaucratic delays and enhanced regulatory oversight. Structural decisions, including the relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria headquarters to Lagos, have improved operational coordination and efficiency within the aviation ecosystem.

A defining and historic milestone of Keyamo’s tenure is the successful celebration of 100 years of aviation in Nigeria, the first such commemoration in the nation’s history. Under his leadership, Nigeria not only marked a century of aviation development but did so with global visibility, industry participation and strategic relevance. The centenary celebration, which coincided with the hosting of Nigeria’s first-ever International Airshow, showcased the country’s aviation journey, reforms and future potential to the global community. This historic achievement elevated Nigeria’s profile, strengthened international partnerships and reaffirmed the nation’s readiness to play a more prominent role in global aviation.

The cumulative impact of these reforms is reflected in improved sector performance. Aviation now contributes an estimated 2.5 percent to Nigeria’s GDP, generating over 2.5 billion dollars annually and supporting hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Passenger traffic has continued to grow, safety and compliance ratings have improved, and Nigeria’s aviation sector has regained the confidence of global stakeholders. These achievements have earned Keyamo national and industry recognition for his reform-driven and results-oriented leadership.

While challenges such as high operating costs, foreign exchange volatility and infrastructure financing remain, the foundation laid under Olorogun Festus Keyamo’s leadership is both solid and forward-looking. His tenure represents a clear departure from stagnation toward structured growth, credibility and competitiveness.

Festus Keyamo’s leadership has redefined the trajectory of Nigeria’s aviation sector. Through bold reforms, restored global confidence, infrastructure renewal and the historic celebration of 100 years of aviation in Nigeria, he has repositioned the sector as a strategic driver of national development. His impact will be remembered not only for the reforms implemented, but for placing Nigeria’s aviation industry firmly on the global map and on a sustainable path toward becoming a leading aviation hub in Africa.