- Minister Festus Keyamo emphasizes his commitment to fulfilling obligations and holding aviation agency CEOs accountable, issuing a clear ultimatum
- He shares insights into the recent retreat with government ministers, emphasizing the importance of input from industry experts to elevate Nigeria’s Aviation Sector
Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, has delivered a persistent message to the chief executives of aviation agencies operating under his Ministry. He emphasized that having signed a performance bond, he is committed to fulfilling his obligations and expects their support to protect his position, issuing a clear request.
During a one-day stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, the first since he assumed office, Minister Keyamo provided insights into the recent retreat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government ministers. He stated, “We had a three-day retreat with Mr. President, all the Ministers. At the end of the day, we signed a performance bond. I also signed my performance bond yesterday. So, if you don’t want me to get sacked in the next few months, you must support me.”
Addressing the CEOs of Aviation agencies in attendance, he bluntly declared, “On this side, it is either I get sacked or they get sacked. So, it is a race to see who will survive. That’s what I have told all my CEOs, somebody must be held accountable, but before I am held accountable, I will hold you accountable.”
Minister Keyamo explained that the purpose of the retreat was to gather inputs from industry experts and players. He emphasized that their insights would contribute to establishing a road map and prioritizing focus areas to elevate Nigeria’s Aviation Sector to international standards, aligning with the aspirations of Nigerians and stakeholders.
He also underscored the importance of solving industry issues instead of assigning blame, highlighting the economic plan introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on economic growth, job creation, prosperity for all, and poverty alleviation.
Minister Keyamo elaborated on various activities undertaken by his Ministry since assuming office, such as inspecting Nigerian airports, initiating the relocation of foreign airlines, and receiving land to construct the second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
In conclusion, he acknowledged the concerns raised by agencies under his Ministry and unions in the aviation industry. He pledged to use stakeholder inputs to drive progress in the Aviation Industry during an upcoming management retreat.