Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing seamless air connectivity across Africa, in line with the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative. Championed by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), SAATM aims to eliminate restrictive policies that hinder the free movement of people and goods by air within the continent.
Speaking at a ministerial briefing organised by the Ministry of Information, Keyamo emphasized that Nigeria is playing a leading role in driving the initiative, noting that the country has consistently produced the Secretary General of the AFCAC. He recalled his visit to Congo, where he actively supported the re-election of Nigeria’s candidate, securing another term for the nation’s representation at the commission. Despite Nigeria’s efforts, many African nations have yet to fully embrace SAATM, and Keyamo urged governments across the continent to align with the vision of unrestricted air travel.
The minister underscored that Africa’s economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) hinges on efficient air transport. Unlike other regions where trade can be facilitated via road or sea, Africa’s vast geography makes air travel the most viable means of connecting businesses and fostering economic growth. He stressed that unless air travel becomes more accessible and affordable, the full benefits of AfCFTA will not be realized. Keyamo also called for the involvement of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Internal Affairs ministers in discussions on aviation policies, arguing that a multi-sectoral approach is necessary to achieve meaningful progress.
Addressing concerns over the high cost of airline tickets, Keyamo explained the factors driving up airfares in Nigeria. He noted that international airlines previously cited trapped funds as a major reason for overpricing tickets for Nigerian travelers. At the time President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration took office, some airlines had accumulated three years’ worth of funds stuck in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). These funds, generated from ticket sales in naira, were meant to be converted to dollars and repatriated to the respective airlines. However, due to foreign exchange constraints, airlines faced prolonged delays in accessing their funds, leading them to inflate ticket prices to hedge against naira depreciation.
The minister confirmed that the government has now cleared this backlog, ensuring that foreign airlines can repatriate their earnings without further delays. Despite this resolution, some airlines have continued to charge excessively high fares on Nigerian routes. Keyamo revealed that the government has called these airlines to discussions, warning them against unfair pricing practices. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is closely monitoring the situation to ensure compliance with fair pricing regulations.
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Another factor contributing to high ticket prices is Nigeria’s steep airport taxes, which are among the highest in Africa. Airlines pass these costs onto passengers, further inflating travel expenses. Keyamo acknowledged the issue but clarified that tax reductions fall under the purview of the Ministry of Finance. He assured Nigerians that discussions are ongoing to review the tax structure and create a more competitive pricing framework for air travel.
On the issue of domestic air travel, the minister highlighted the challenges local airlines face in accessing affordable aircraft leasing options. Most Nigerian airlines rely on expensive lease agreements, driving up operational costs and, consequently, ticket prices. However, Keyamo disclosed that negotiations at international aviation summits, such as the Cape Town Convention and the Dublin Conference, are yielding positive results. He assured stakeholders that new lease agreements with favorable terms would soon be implemented, leading to more affordable domestic flights.
In addition to air connectivity, the government is cracking down on illegal charter operations within Nigeria’s private jet sector. Keyamo revealed plans to roll out strict regulations to curb the use of unauthorized jets for commercial purposes. As part of these measures, air traffic control towers will not clear private jets for takeoff unless their pilots file a passenger manifest in advance. He warned individuals against boarding unregistered private jets, stressing that such flights would not be recognized under Nigeria’s aviation safety protocols.
The minister reiterated that Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing aviation as a key driver of economic growth. Through strategic policy interventions, international partnerships, and regulatory enforcement, the government is working to make air travel more accessible, affordable, and efficient for all Nigerians.
