Keyamo Defends Aviation Reforms, Predicts Airfares Will Crash As More Airlines Join Market

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the Federal Government’s aviation reforms, saying increased competition among domestic airlines will lead to lower airfares and improved services for passengers.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Keyamo said the Tinubu administration’s policies have created a more favourable environment for indigenous carriers, resulting in a growing number of airlines entering the market.

According to the minister, increased competition is already driving down ticket prices, pointing out that fares which climbed to between ₦400,000 and ₦500,000 during the Christmas travel season have dropped to around ₦100,000 on several routes.

“What were people paying during Christmas? ₦400,000 to ₦500,000. What are they paying now? Around ₦100,000. Competition is forcing prices down because we have opened the sector,” he said.

Keyamo cited the launch of Enugu Air and the planned commencement of operations by Caliphate Airlines in Sokoto as evidence of renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

He maintained that the current administration has made the growth and sustainability of local airlines a major priority, adding that a stronger domestic aviation sector would provide travellers with more options while encouraging operators to improve service quality.

Jet A1 Pricing Beyond Aviation Ministry’s Control

Addressing concerns over the high cost of aviation fuel, popularly known as Jet A1, Keyamo clarified that his ministry has no legal authority to regulate fuel prices.

He explained that responsibility for pricing falls under the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, although the Aviation Ministry has continued to engage fuel marketers and other stakeholders in efforts to ease the burden on airline operators.

The minister added that international developments, including tensions involving Iran, had contributed to the recent rise in aviation fuel prices, but noted that costs have started showing signs of decline.

Speaks on Recent Aviation Incidents

Commenting on the recent runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport, Keyamo described the occurrence as an isolated incident, saying preliminary information suggested the runway was slippery.

He urged the public to await the outcome of the official investigation before drawing conclusions.

The minister also confirmed that the recent incident involving a private jet in Asaba constituted a security breach.

According to him, the Department of State Services (DSS) has taken the pilot and crew members into custody for questioning while investigations continue.

More Airport Concessions Under Consideration

Keyamo further disclosed that the Federal Government is considering concessioning additional airports, particularly facilities that are operating at a loss.

He said the initiative is aimed at improving operational efficiency, attracting private investment and reducing the financial burden of maintaining airports that generate insufficient revenue.

The minister stressed that the administration’s broader aviation reforms are designed to build a safer, more competitive and economically sustainable aviation sector capable of delivering better services to passengers while supporting national economic growth.