Nigeria Records Historic 91.4% Aviation Safety Score – Keyamo
...Says 2027 Election Will Be Coronation, Not Contest
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that Nigeria recorded its highest-ever aviation safety oversight score of 91.4 per cent, describing it as a landmark achievement for the country’s aviation sector.
Keyamo made the disclosure on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he attributed the feat to reforms implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He stated that the score was achieved during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety oversight audit, surpassing Nigeria’s previous highest rating, which was in the 70 per cent range.
“In terms of high-calibre audits by the International Civil Aviation Organization, we scored 91.4 per cent in our safety oversight standards. Before now, the highest was about 70-something per cent. That was considered very poor in terms of safety,” he said.
The Minister stressed that the improvement followed sustained efforts by the Federal Government over the past three years.
“We have worked very, very hard in the last three years, based on the direction of President Bola Tinubu. We scored 91.4 per cent, which is the highest safety record in the history of Nigeria,” Keyamo stated.
Addressing recent aviation incidents, the Minister maintained that they were isolated cases and should not be interpreted as evidence of declining safety standards.
“Incidents happen. These are isolated incidents. We have had only about two or three runway-related incidents in the last three years,” he said.
Keyamo explained that investigations into such occurrences often begin with preliminary reports before final reports are issued, adding that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has the statutory responsibility to sanction operators or personnel found culpable.
“The NCAA has the powers to reprimand airlines and pilots who violate safety regulations. They withdraw licences and impose sanctions where necessary,” he explained.
On concerns about ageing aircraft operating in Nigeria, Keyamo dismissed the notion that the age of an aircraft determines its airworthiness. “It is pure ignorance to think the age of an aircraft determines its suitability to fly. What determines safety is the maintenance record. Even a new aircraft can crash if it is poorly maintained, while aircraft that are over 40 years old can continue flying safely if properly maintained.”
The Minister also disclosed that Nigeria is receiving aircraft previously operated by major international carriers as local operators continue to expand their fleets.
He noted that the Federal Government is establishing an aircraft leasing company, with technical support from Boeing, to improve access to aircraft for Nigerian airlines and reduce operational challenges.
According to him, increased competition arising from more aircraft and more airline operators will ultimately reduce airfares and improve service delivery. “It is only competition that will drive down ticket prices. We are opening the doors and attracting more aircraft into the country.”
Keyamo equally stated that the Federal Government is rehabilitating and upgrading several airports across the country, including Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt, while concessioning non-profitable airports to improve efficiency and revenue generation.
He also assured Nigerians that airport concession agreements would protect workers’ welfare and prevent arbitrary increases in charges to passengers.
On politics, Keyamo expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure re-election in 2027, arguing that demographic realities strongly favour the ruling administration.
“The 2027 election is a coronation, not an election,” he said.
He, however, emphasised that the remark was “not out of arrogance and not out of overconfidence, but out of pure demographic calculations.”
The Minister noted that President Tinubu’s administration remained focused on delivering infrastructure and policy reforms that would strengthen public confidence ahead of the 2027 general election.
Commenting on Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s claim that he was harassed at an airport, Keyamo dismissed the allegation, insisting that the former Anambra State governor’s account was false.
“He lied. He lies like a fish drinking water,” the minister claimed.
He further asserted that the incident had been politicised, maintaining that the aviation authorities acted appropriately and that the public should rely on verified facts rather than allegations.
