Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has committed to ensuring the long-delayed Fly Nigeria Act becomes a reality under his leadership.
Speaking on Friday, Keyamo expressed frustration over the 15-year delay in implementing the Act, which mandates that government-funded air travel for personnel, contractors, and properties be conducted using Nigerian flag carriers.
Keyamo emphasized that his administration is determined to bring the Act to fruition, strengthening the nation's aviation sector and supporting the growth of local airlines.
Speaking at a one-day “Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Legal Framework for the Fly Nigeria Bill and Related Enabling Legislation’, in Abuja, Keyamo said he would rally all the major stakeholders to push for the bill to be signed into law.
A former Minister of Aviation, Omotoba had said the bill was first put together more than 15 years ago while he was Minister in charge of the ministry and commended Mr. Keyamo for the new drive and passion to finally bring the bill to reality.
Allen Onyema, the Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria AON and Chairman of Air Peace, and Obiora Okonkwo, AON spokesperson and Chairman of United Nigeria Airline, described the move as a new dawn for the country’s aviation and domestic Airlines in Nigeria.