Keyamo’s Favouritism Towards Private Airlines Over National Carrier

On Sunday, December 8th, 2024, the Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, appeared on Arise Television, where he discussed various issues concerning Nigeria’s aviation sector.

 

However, his statements have sparked significant concerns among Nigerians, particularly regarding the government's stance on national carrier development and its alleged preferential treatment towards private sector airline operators.

 

While his tenure has been marked by some noteworthy achievements in the aviation sector, such as the recent refurbishment of airports and the promotion of aviation infrastructure, his comments during the Tv interview have raised eyebrows. Specifically, there is a growing perception that the minister is prioritising the interests of private airline operators—who often fail to meet the needs of the Nigerian public—over the urgent need to establish a national carrier.

 

The Dilemma of the National Carrier

 

For years, the Nigerian government has promised the establishment of a national carrier, a crucial element for any country seeking to bolster its aviation sector, tourism and ensure a safe, competitive, and reliable air transportation system.

 

The national carrier would not only serve as a flag bearer for Nigeria's global presence but also enhance competition, lower airfares, and ensure the country’s economic interests are safeguarded in the aviation sector.

 

After repeatedly delay of the controversial launch of the failed Nigeria Air project, a proposed national carrier that was touted as a game-changer for the aviation sector, no serious effort has been made.

 

Despite numerous promises and extensive planning, the airline’s launch has yet to materialise, and the public is left questioning the government's true intentions. The minister’s recent remarks suggest that there may be a reluctance to push forward with the establishment of the national carrier. This, many argue, could be due to a more covert interest in protecting private airline operators who are benefiting from the current status quo.

 

The Alleged Favouritism Toward Private Airlines

 

During the Arise Tv interview, the made several comments that raised concerns about his true motivations in the aviation sector. One of the key points that stood out was his suggestion that the private airline operators are currently well-positioned to meet the needs of Nigerian passengers, particularly on international routes.

 

However, these claims seem detached from the reality that Nigerians have been facing for years: high ticket fares, poor service quality, and a general lack of efficiency by most of the private carriers.

 

Nigerians have long expressed frustration with the monopolistic practices of Europeans and Gulf States airlines, especially on international routes. The prices of tickets have consistently risen, often without justifiable reasons, and many travellers are forced to pay exorbitant fees for subpar services.

 

On the home front, private operators have failed to develop the necessary infrastructure, aircraft fleet, or operational efficiency to compete at the global level. The country’s aviation sector has witnessed a significant gap in customer satisfaction, and the absence of a national carrier has only exacerbated these problems.

 

By continuing to favour these private sector airlines, the government appears to be turning a blind eye to the urgent need for reform. Instead of creating a competitive, affordable, and efficient aviation environment, the minister’s apparent allegiance to private airline operators perpetuates a system where Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of poor service and high-ticket costs.

 

High Ticket Fares and Limited Capacity

 

One of the most glaring issues facing Nigerian passengers today is the sky-high ticket fares, particularly on international routes. These inflated prices have become an everyday reality for Nigerian travellers, who are forced to bear the consequences of limited competition in the market.

 

Keyamo’s failure to accelerate the process of establishing a national carrier, which would introduce competition to the market, has allowed private airline operators to set prices without considering the welfare of Nigerian passengers.

 

Moreover, many of the private airlines currently operating in Nigeria lack the capacity to truly meet the needs of the nation. Their fleets are outdated, frequently under maintenance, and limited in size. This has resulted in flight cancellations, delays, and a general lack of consistency in service delivery.

If the Nigerian government is truly committed to improving the aviation sector and serving the public interest, it would fast-track the establishment of a national carrier that would introduce both operational excellence and affordable pricing.

 

The Real Interests at Play

 

Whilst the minister has repeatedly expressed his commitment to improving Nigeria's aviation sector, critics argue that his actions suggest otherwise. By prioritising private sector operators over the development of a national carrier, the minister is perceived to be catering to the interests of a select few rather than the larger population of Nigerian citizens who stand to benefit from a more robust, competitive, and affordable aviation landscape.

 

Private airline operators in Nigeria have significant influence, and many have close ties with political figures, making it easier for them to lobby for policies that favour their business interests. Keyamo’s ongoing support of these airlines, despite their shortcomings, raises questions about whether the government’s policies are genuinely in the best interest of the Nigerian people.

 

The Need for Urgency

 

Nigerians have long been patient, waiting for a government that will address the systemic issues within the aviation sector. The country’s aviation industry has the potential to be a major economic driver, but the current situation, where private airlines are allowed to dominate the market without proper oversight or competition, is unsustainable.

 

The establishment of a national carrier should no longer be delayed. It would provide Nigerians with the choice of affordable, efficient air travel while also ensuring that the country is not at the mercy of foreign airlines and exploitative private operators.

 

His delay in pushing the national carrier forward, in favour of the current private airline operators, only serves to reinforce the status quo that benefits the few while leaving the many to suffer from unaffordable fares and subpar services.

 

Though, his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management has seen some positive strides in the sector, his recent remarks and apparent favouritism toward private airline operators raise serious questions about his commitment to the long-term welfare of Nigerian citizens.

 

By focusing more on the interests of a few private companies rather than expediting the process of establishing a national carrier, Keyamo risks leaving the Nigerian public at the mercy of high-ticket fares and poor service quality as we have witnessed over the years.

 

The Nigerian aviation sector deserves more than empty promises. It requires urgent reforms that will create a competitive, affordable, and efficient air travel market for all Nigerians. It is time for the government to prioritize the people’s interests and push ahead with the establishment of a national carrier, a step that would ensure the country's aviation industry finally takes its rightful place on the global stage.

 

By Lucky George, Executive Director, African Travel Commission [ATC] based in Accra, Ghana.