By Willies Ugo, Gombe
January 22, 2026
Amid rising speculation over an impending cabinet reshuffle, an aviation expert, Engineer Joshua Keftin Amuga, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to enable him consolidate ongoing reforms in the sector.
Amuga said the wide-ranging transformation initiatives introduced by Keyamo require continuity to sustain what he described as the aviation industry’s steady progress and renewed global confidence.
In a statement made available to The Newspointer, the expert noted that Keyamo’s leadership at the ministry has been marked by notable milestones and recognitions, particularly in 2025, which he said underscored the minister’s impact.
According to him, from hosting major international aviation engagements to securing global recognitions, Keyamo’s stewardship has significantly elevated Nigeria’s standing in the global aviation community.
Amuga emphasised that beyond politics, aviation development thrives on consistency, collaboration, and policy stability, stressing that retaining the current minister would be in the national interest.
He explained that since Keyamo’s appointment in August 2023, the ministry has implemented reforms that have propelled the sector forward, particularly Nigeria’s improved compliance with the Cape Town Convention.
The expert disclosed that adherence to the convention improved Nigeria’s aviation rating from about 40 per cent to nearly 80 per cent, facilitated the clearance of about 98 per cent of blocked airline funds valued at $850 million, and enhanced aircraft leasing opportunities.
Amuga added that Nigeria now leads Africa in compliance with key global aviation standards, recording improvements in safety oversight, regulatory efficiency, and airport infrastructure.
He further noted that under Keyamo’s watch, institutions such as the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, benefited from TETFund support for infrastructure and specialised training, positioning the institution as a hub for aviation education.
Highlighting other reforms, Amuga said the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) attained ISO 9001:2015 certification, deployed advanced airspace management systems including ADS-B, while the NCAA and other agencies recorded terminal upgrades, lighting improvements, and apron expansions nationwide.
On the international front, he cited Keyamo’s engagements with global aviation stakeholders, including a 2025 visit to Boeing’s headquarters that produced an MoU for an MRO facility in Nigeria, and his advocacy at the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, stressing that such achievements justify continuity in the aviation ministry.
