In response to the growing urgency of tackling climate change, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, has restated the Federal Government’s dedication to environmental sustainability within the aviation sector.
He affirmed that the ministry is actively pursuing innovations and improvements in fuel efficiency to help reduce harmful emissions.
Keyamo made this pledge during a courtesy visit by members of the House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
He emphasised that fostering collaboration between the ministry and the National Assembly is crucial for developing robust policies that will not only address climate change but also promote environmental responsibility across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“The aviation industry has a vital role to play in achieving a sustainable future,” Keyamo remarked. “Through collaboration with the House Committee on Climate Change, we can ensure that Nigeria’s aviation sector leads by example in adopting green technologies and practices.”
He highlighted those various agencies under the ministry, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), are already involved in initiatives aimed at mitigating the sector’s environmental impact.
Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment as a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), noting that the country remains aligned with global efforts such as the Paris Agreement and ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). These frameworks, he explained, set ambitious targets to curb aviation-related emissions and ensure sustainable industry practices worldwide.
In a proactive move, the minister directed the establishment of a dedicated communications committee tasked with documenting and reporting the ministry’s progress on climate-related initiatives. He explained that the committee’s membership would include representatives from both houses of the National Assembly committees on Aviation, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN, NCAA, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), NiMET and the special assistant to the minister on climate change.
Keyamo further instructed that the committee submit quarterly reports, which will help maintain momentum and ensure transparency in the sector’s climate response efforts. He expressed gratitude to the House’s Committee on Climate Change for its engagement and affirmed the ministry’s readiness to work closely with lawmakers to implement policies that will foster an environmentally responsible aviation sector in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change and Security, Hon. Kama Nkemkanma commended the ministry for its strategic contributions to Nigeria’s development and for taking bold steps toward environmental stewardship.
Nkemkanma stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, especially in sectors like aviation that face growing vulnerability due to climate change. He noted that the committee’s visit was part of its mandate to engage with government agencies and private sector players, aiming to drive increased action against climate-related challenges threatening Nigeria’s sustainable growth.
He further highlighted that, with the backing of the Climate Change Act of 2021, Nigeria has made notable progress in positioning itself for sustainable development. He applauded the minister and the ministry for complying with the provisions of the Act, adding that their commendable actions have earned widespread recognition and respect.
