Festus Keyamo’s tenure as Minister of Aviation has drawn attention, with many noting challenges in how things are unfolding. From the start, his appointment felt like a mismatch. Aviation is a highly specialized industry, yet we have someone with no prior experience or technical background leading the charge. It’s baffling.
One of the biggest red flags for me is the stagnation of critical projects. The much anticipated national carrier and much-needed airport upgrades are still in limbo. These are initiatives that could transform our aviation industry, yet they seem to be bogged down under his leadership.
Safety, too, is a growing concern. There have been incidents in domestic air travel recently that make me wonder if proper oversight is even happening. Shouldn’t passenger safety be a top priority? To make matters worse, I have heard reports that professionals within the ministry are being sidelined in favor of political allies. That kind of mismanagement doesn’t inspire confidence.
Furthermore, the issue of regional competition must be addressed. While our neighbors are making bold moves to boost their aviation industries, Nigeria seems to be falling behind. We are missing out on partnerships and opportunities that could strengthen our position in Africa and beyond.
As someone who deeply cares about Nigeria’s progress, I firmly believe that the aviation sector deserves better. It’s not just about moving planes, it’s about economic growth, global connections, and national pride. Currently, I do not see the leadership needed to take us there.
If Keyamo cannot deliver on these priorities, perhaps it is time to reconsider whether he is the right person for the job.
