Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has announced that private and public entities can submit proposals to establish a new national carrier.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Keyamo clarified that federal government will not invest public funds in the project but remains open to partnerships that are beneficial to Nigeria.
The minister had earlier made similar remarks on Friday in Lagos during the launch of 100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects, a book authored by Wole Shadare.
At the event, Keyamo noted that government efforts are now focused on supporting local operators through policy reforms rather than funding a national carrier.
He said recent reforms, such as changes to insurance rules on leased aircraft, had helped local airlines get more planes, which in turn has reduced ticket prices.
The minister said the federal government is open to receiving proposals from both Nigerian and foreign entities.
“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 in establishing a National Carrier,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a policy environment that enables the growth and survival of local operators.
