The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN has called on newly appointed chief executive officers and directors of aviation agencies to ignite the spirit of commitment, innovation and service to elevate the nation’s aviation sector.
In his charge during the in-house inauguration/induction held in Abuja, the minister emphasised the pivotal role of these leaders in contributing to economic growth and job creation. He set a resolute tone, stating, “I will not tolerate non-performance. If you think your aim is to make money in public office, resign before we leave here. I will not allow anybody to mess up”.
The minister’s unwavering stance underscores the gravity of the responsibilities entrusted to the CEOs and directors. Their roles, as Keyamo stressed, carry significant weight and their commitment and expertise are expected to contribute to the growth and success of the aviation parastatals.
President Bola Tinubu’s recent leadership changes in the six parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development reflect a decisive move to enhance the sector’s standards and bolster consumer protection. The reshuffling, announced on December 13,2023, aligns with the President’s commitment to the well-being of passengers and all stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The call to public service, as Keyamo reiterated, is an opportunity to showcase what can be achieved for the greater good. It goes beyond personal gain; it’s about proving one’s capabilities and improving the status quo. Keyamo’s charge resonates with the overarching goal of service delivery and advancement.
The minister shed light on the mandate, vision, and mission of the ministry, emphasising its responsibility for formulating and managing government aviation policies in Nigeria. Oversight of air transportation, airport development and maintenance, provision of aviation infrastructural services, as well as other essential needs fall under the ministry’s purview.
In line with the broader objectives, Keyamo urged the CEOs and directors to prioritise transparency, efficiency and collaboration to ensure effective public service delivery. The ultimate goal is to build a safe, secure and efficient aviation industry that aligns with international standards and best practices for Africa.
The Tinubu administration places a strong emphasis on optimising and boosting revenue generation for Nigeria’s aviation industry, coupled with strict compliance with international regulations and standards. The ministry’s five-point agenda serves as a strategic tool toward achieving this mission:
Ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations and continuous upward movement of Nigeria’s rating by ICAO.
Supporting the growth and sustenance of local airline businesses while holding them to the highest international standards in the aviation industry.
Improving infrastructures in the aviation industry.
Developing human capacity within the industry.
Optimising revenue generation for the federal government.
Keyamo reiterated that the CEOs and directors should actively pursue the realisation of this five-point agenda within the Nigerian aviation value chain. The ministry looks forward to a new phase of partnership and collaboration, leveraging opportunities in the sector to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and joint-venture partnerships.
The ministry has been tasked with twelve purposes by President Bola Tinubu, ranging from strict compliance with regulations to promoting human capital in the aviation industry and optimising revenue for the Federal Government. Keyamo’s vision encapsulates a commitment to these objectives, fostering an environment where innovation and accountability thrive.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole echoed the call for collaboration and accountability. He urged CEOs to work together guided by the principles of accountability and innovation to build a stronger, more resilient aviation industry, aspiring to be the best in Africa and one of the best globally.
Meribole highlighted the ongoing reforms initiated by the Minister of Aviation, including the formation of a committee to address sector challenges and the introduction of the 5-point agenda for the aviation industry. CEOs were encouraged to provide recommendations directly to the minister, fostering a transparent and responsive communication channel.
In her remarks, the special assistant to the President, Ms. Hadiza Usman emphasised the mandate for CEOs and directors to provide data on their performance across the economy. The imperative of full compliance and effective reporting mechanisms were underscored as essential components of their roles.
As the aviation agencies embark on this journey under the stewardship of capable leaders, the stage is set for a transformative era marked by excellence, accountability and collaboration. Through collective efforts, the aviation sector aims not only to overcome challenges but also to set new benchmarks of governance and service delivery.
