By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has described the performance of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), as “superlative”, commending his transformative leadership in aviation in the past two years.
In a statement signed by the group’s president, Opialu Fabian Opialu, RHAN spotlighted several key achievements that they say reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and urge other ministers to match his level of commitment.
Keyamo’s tenure, RHAN asserts, has been marked by bold reforms and major partnerships that are reshaping Nigeria’s aviation landscape. Notably, he led the signing of a pioneering Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing in Seattle, which includes planning workshops, technical support for airlines, and development of local aircraft maintenance facilities — an agreement described as a “significant milestone” toward a viable civil aviation ecosystem.
Opialu highlighted the completion of airport infrastructure projects under Keyamo’s watch, including the reopening of the second runway at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) after resolving a lingering land dispute within two weeks of taking office. He also noted the remodeling of arrival halls through public-private partnerships.
RHAN credited Keyamo’s leadership with decisive action to resolve stuck foreign airlines’ funds in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), restoring confidence from major carriers like Emirates, and Emirates returning flights to Nigeria.
Further, the group praised the minister for spearheading Nigeria’s enhanced global rating in aviation safety — from approximately 49 percent to over 70 percent — by ensuring compliance with the Cape Town Convention. This jump, the group said, was critical to unlocking dry leasing options and lowering leasing costs for Nigerian airlines.
Opialu also commended Keyamo for opening new international routes, including Air Peace’s successful launch from Lagos to London Gatwick, and securing reciprocal flying rights for Air Peace to Heathrow — key steps toward reducing airfare costs and breaking monopolies.
“Keyamo has proven to be a reformist — a man of substance and action. His achievements are not symbolic; they are foundations for economic growth, safety, job creation, and national pride,” Opialu said.
Opialu emphasised that Keyamo’s approach, which is action-oriented, consultative, and integrity-driven, has sets a benchmark for other ministers.
“Festus Keyamo’s resolve to clear stuck funds, modernise airport infrastructure, elevate safety ratings, and boost global partnerships marks a new chapter in our aviation story. Now, we urge every ministry to match that intensity. Underperformance in office is no longer acceptable,” he said.
RHAN further encouraged private sector players, technical teams, and civil society to support ongoing reforms. They announced plans to monitor aviation benchmarks regularly, including passenger satisfaction, financial transparency, and safety metrics.
“In aviation, we see restored integrity and progress. That model ought to spread across every ministry. We will walk with those who deliver and call out those who don’t,” Opialu affirmed.
