AON commends Tinubu for retaining Keyamo as aviation minister

The Airline Operators of Nigeria has lauded President Bola Tinubu for retaining Festus Keyamo as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development following the recent cabinet reshuffle.

The Head of Press and Public Relations for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi, said this in a statement on Thursday.

The AON President, Abdulmunaf Sarina, expressed his appreciation for the decision, stating that it reflected the President’s commitment to the continued growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Sarina said the President’s decision was based on his interest in the development of the Nigerian aviation industry and the hard work of the minister.

He described Keyamo’s leadership as instrumental in driving progress in the sector.

“His proactive engagement with the industry, his focus on safety, and his commitment to the success of both local and international airlines have restored confidence in the sector. It is clear that he has the best interests of the nation and the aviation sector at heart,” he said.

Sarina described Keyamo’s dedication to the implementation of the Cape Town Convention and adherence to international standards in aircraft financing and leasing as an “uncommon” achievement, noting that it had significantly bolstered the aviation sector’s global standing.

Under Keyamo’s leadership, Nigeria’s aviation industry has its global rating rose from 40 per cent to 80 per cent.

Sarina emphasised that those efforts are in line with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, adding that AON would continue to support Keyamo’s innovative initiatives.

On Wednesday, Tinubu sacked five ministers from his cabinet.

The affected ministers are the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju-Ken Ohanenye; the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John; the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo; and the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim.