Dare Babalola
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said the emergence of more state-owned airlines in Nigeria is being driven by reforms and policies introduced under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Keyamo made the statement on Thursday while reacting to the presentation of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airline by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
According to the minister, the certificate presentation officially signals the commencement of the airline’s commercial flight operations.
He disclosed that following the issuance of the licence, the airline’s management team, led by its Managing Director, Captain Ungbuku, paid him a courtesy visit and formally presented the AOC.
Keyamo described the development as a positive sign for the aviation sector, noting that the increase in state-backed carriers reflects growing confidence in the federal government’s aviation policies.
He said, “Yesterday, the Bayelsa State-owned airline named Pioneer Airline was presented its Air Operator Certificate by the regulator, the NCAA, signalling the beginning of its commercial operations.”
The minister added that the growth in the number of state-owned airlines would provide immediate benefits to passengers across the country through increased competition and wider travel options.
“I remarked at the occasion that the rise in state-owned airlines is as a result of excellent aviation policies put in place by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that we should look out for more of such in the immediate future,” he stated.
He further noted that the entry of more airlines into the domestic market would significantly assist travellers by giving them more choices for air transportation.
The latest development comes amid renewed efforts by the federal government to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry, improve connectivity, and encourage investment in air transport services nationwide.
