ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government will no longer fund the establishment of a national carrier but remains open to private and public proposals from both domestic and international stakeholders, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo said on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
The minister clarified the government’s position in a post on X, following remarks made on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the launch of 100 Years of Civil Aviation In Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects, a book authored by aviation journalist Wole Shadare.
Keyamo said while the government has shelved plans to directly invest in a national airline, it is committed to enabling the private sector to take the lead in developing one that benefits Nigerians.
“The correct story should be that the FG will not invest a dime in establishing a National Carrier, but is always open to proposals from private or public entities, both in and out of the country that truly benefit Nigeria and Nigerians,” the minister wrote.
He emphasised that the government’s new approach is rooted in economic pragmatism, shifting focus toward regulatory reforms and policy incentives aimed at bolstering local airline operators.
At Friday’s book launch in Lagos, Keyamo cited recent reforms, including revised insurance rules on leased aircraft, which he said had enabled local airlines to expand their fleets.
The increased availability of aircraft, he noted, has already led to a decline in ticket prices.
“The role of government now is to support indigenous carriers with policy direction, regulatory ease, and the necessary infrastructure to compete effectively on international routes,” Keyamo said at the event.
The government’s position comes amid lingering fallout from the failed Nigeria Air project, which faced criticism over transparency, governance, and concerns about its equity structure involving foreign partners.
With this policy pivot, the government aims to foster a competitive and investor-driven aviation sector while reducing public expenditure in an era of fiscal constraint.
Keyamo affirmed that while the national carrier dream is not off the table, its realisation would now depend on viable proposals from private investors.
“The door remains open to any serious investors with the technical and financial capacity to deliver a national carrier that serves the best interests of the country,” he said.
