Aviation Minister Keyamo assures of sector’s growth

• Keyamo reiterated the government’s focus on expanding local airline capacity and ensuring Nigerian carriers benefit from the market
  

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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed optimism about the outcomes of his policies in the aviation sector.

In a statement released on Tuesday to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration, Keyamo assured that the sector will soon reap the benefits of their hard work and optimism.

“We have taken bold policy decisions, and soon, we shall all reap the fruit of our hope, hard work, and optimism,” Keyamo stated.

One of the key developments Nigerians can look forward to is the resumption of Emirates flights to Nigeria. This follows Keyamo’s recent negotiations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), which will guide flight operations between the two countries.

The agreement also ensures reciprocal rights for local airlines to operate in the UAE. “We firmly agreed on the reciprocal rights our local airlines will also have to begin flight operations to the UAE,” Keyamo added.

As part of the reforms, Keyamo reiterated the government’s focus on expanding local airline capacity and ensuring Nigerian carriers benefit from the market.

“Nigeria is geographically positioned to serve as the true aviation hub for Africa. Our strategic location and growing population position us perfectly to be the hub Africa needs,” Keyamo emphasized.

With Nigeria being equidistant to key regions like South America, Europe, and Asia, and only six to seven hours from Doha, Dubai, and Brazil, Keyamo believes the country has the potential to become a major aviation hub.

These developments are expected to yield positive results for Nigeria’s aviation sector, and Keyamo’s policies aim to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the growing market.