The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has announced that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is prepared to cooperate with state governments to enhance the facilities at Nigeria’s airports, maintain terminal buildings and explore ways for states to recoup their investments.
Keyamo made this declaration during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Transportation Commissioners Forum, an arm of the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
Keyamo highlighted the significance of this partnership, emphasising the need for greater collaboration between the ministry and state governments, as most airport facilities are under state jurisdiction. He encouraged state governments to develop detailed proposals for improving airport facilities, reiterating that the ministry is fully prepared for such collaboration. He stated, “state governments are our number one partners since we have the same objective”.
The leader of the delegation and the commissioner of the Ministry of Transportation in Cross River State, Pastor Ekpenyon Cobham explained that the visit stemmed from a conference of transportation commissioners aiming to establish closer cooperation through regular consultations with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The executive secretary of the Nigerian Transportation Commissioners Forum, Mrs. Chinwe Uwaegbute expressed concerns about passenger complaints regarding flight delays and cancellations by airlines without adequately addressing passengers’ rights or providing proper information.
The association conveyed its best wishes to Keyamo for a productive tenure as he oversees the ministry’s affairs. This initiative is expected to foster collaboration between federal and state authorities, ultimately enhancing the quality of services at Nigeria’s airports.
