FG won’t invest a dime in national carrier — Keyamo
By Jeffrey Agbo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Sunday said the federal government will not commit public funds to establish a national carrier.
The minister said the government remains open to credible proposals from local or international investors in the private and public sectors.
“The FG will not invest a dime in establishing a National Carrier. But we are always open to proposals from private or public entities, both in and out of the country, that truly benefit Nigeria and Nigerians in establishing a National Carrier,” Keyamo said in a statement posted on X.
This comes amid conversations around the controversial Nigeria Air project which has faced scrutiny over transparency, funding sources and its potential impact on existing local operators.
Keyamo said the government is shifting its focus to policy development aimed at strengthening domestic airlines, rather than rushing to launch a new national airline.
“Before that happens, we are concentrating on developing policies to ensure the growth and survival of our local operators. Our priority is to build a healthy aviation ecosystem where local airlines can thrive, offer quality services, and compete globally,” he said.
Keyamo also reaffirmed commitment to providing a transparent and competitive regulatory environment that encourages investment, promotes safety, and ensures profitability for Nigerian carriers.
