The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has declared that Nigeria is the most viable aviation market in Africa, with the potential to become a continental aviation hub.
Keyamo made this assertion on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, citing the country’s large population and traffic as key factors.
According to Keyamo, Nigeria is ripe for investment, and the government is keen to attract private investors to improve the country’s aviation infrastructure. He noted that budgetary allocations alone cannot fund the massive infrastructure development required, hence the need for private investment.
The Minister also addressed concerns about the country’s readiness to host an airshow, given its infrastructure challenges. He argued that Nigeria’s lack of readiness should not deter it from advertising itself to attract investors. Keyamo pointed to the success of airshows worldwide, stating that Nigeria has never hosted one before.
In addition, Keyamo expressed concern over reports of harassment of passengers by security operatives at Nigerian airports. He revealed that his ministry has complained to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, about the issue.
Keyamo’s vision for Nigeria’s aviation industry aligns with the country’s potential to become a major player in the sector. As the Minister works to attract investors and improve infrastructure, Nigeria may soon realize its ambition of becoming Africa’s aviation hub.
