…as Nigeria ranks first In ease of doing aviation business in Africa
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has said that
federal government is in the process of putting in place the Fly Nigeria Act 2024 to boost the ease of aviation business in Nigera.
Keyamo also stated that the Fly Nigeria Act would advance the capacity and competitiveness of the nation’s carrier, domestic airlines, this is as he disclosed that the Nigerian aviation industry currently ranks first in the ease of doing business in Africa.
Keyamo stated this during his presentation at the fourth Ministerial Press Briefing organised the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja on Thursady, adding that several activities of the Ministry culminated into the ranking.
According to Keyamo, the
Fly Nigeria Bill 2024 is a bill that seeks to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of Nigeria’s national carriers, promote national pride, and improve service delivery in the aviation sector.
“The Fly Nigeria Bill, a proposed legislation, aims to prioritise Nigerian flag carriers for all government-funded travel, whether domestic, regional, or international, ensuring that Nigerian airlines are used first.
“The Bill’s primary goal is to boost the Nigerian aviation industry by ensuring that government-funded travel, including trips by officials, contractors, and grantees, utilises Nigerian airlines whenever possible
“The Fly Nigeria Bill mandates that all government-funded air travel must first consider Nigerian flag carriers before any foreign carriers, even for international routes.
He explained that the initiative would not only create jobs and attract investments, but conserve foreign exchange as it would give room for competitive and sustainable aviation sector, thereby creating a level playing ground for Nigerian airlines to compete globally toward economic growth.
He noted that the Fly Nigeria Bill will also foster national pride and will give Nigerian airlines recognition as leaders in the aviation industry.
He revealed that the idea for the Bill had been in development for over 15 years, but that the Tinubu led administration was committed to fast-tracking its implementation.
“Fly Nigeria Bill would be a crucial step in protecting Nigeria’s aviation market from external dominance to ensure local airlines have the opportunity to thrive.”
This is as he said the Federal Government is equally committed to strengthening regulations for a safer aviation ecosystem by tackling illegal commercial operation by private jet owners.
Speaking further, the minister acknowledged the receipt of the final report of the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Illegal Private Charter Operations and Related Matters, noting that it is aimed at addressing illegal private airline operations in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of “doing the right thing” across all sectors of the national economy.
“The issue of illegal charter operations involves private jets and aircrafts operating outside the law, especially those obtaining licenses under the PNCF for unlawful activities.
“We are confident that we will have the freedom to take necessary actions. Our goal is a safer, more secure aviation ecosystem in Nigeria.
“We will not drop the ball. Our responsibility is to enhance regulatory standards and make aviation safer for everyone,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the existence of illegal practices by private airlines before his assumption of office but made a resolve to tackle it headlong as the government is losing revenue to these sharp practices.
“When I took office, I was told the problem was insurmountable and advised to ignore it, but I felt it had to be addressed.
“They claimed it was difficult to regulate and that the culprits were ‘untouchable,’ but my experience in civil society and as an EFCC prosecutor taught me to confront such challenges.’’
