Resign now if your aim is to make money, Keyamo tells aviation agencies CEOs

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has asked the new  chief executive officers (CEOs) of the aviation agencies to resign if their aim is to make money.  

Keyamo spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the inauguration and induction of the newly appointed CEOs and directors of the aviation agencies.

In December 2023, President Bola Tinubu sacked the managing director of all aviation agencies and appointed new people.

Less than 24- hours later, all heads of aviation agencies were dismissed from their offices but were replaced one week later.

The agencies include the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).

Speaking at the inauguration, Keyamo said the agencies must prioritise transparency, efficiency and collaboration.

He also said collective efforts would build a safe and efficient aviation industry that would focus on making Nigeria a hub that meets international standards. 

“The uniqueness of the aviation ministry is that unlike most other ministries, most of the work of the aviation ministry is in its agencies, not on the main ministry,” Keyamo said.

“I will be very critical of those who think that they know me or close to me. I will not tolerate nonperformance.

“If you think your aim is to make money in public office resign today here before you leave here.”

Reiterating the objective of the ministry, the minister stressed on the need to improve the standard of the industry.

“The President Bola Tinubu administration plans to focus on optimising and boosting revenue generation for Nigeria’s Aviation industry, and ensure strict compliance with international regulations and standards,” he said. 

“Our five-point agenda is a tool toward achieving the mandate, vision, and mission of the ministry.

“These include- ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and continuous upward movement of Nigeria’s rating by ICAO.

“To actualise the five-point agenda for the growth of the Nigerian aviation value chain, the aviation ministry is looking forward to a new phase of partnership and collaboration.

“This includes leveraging on the immense opportunities in the sector to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and joint-venture partnerships with heads of international economic organizations, presidents of transnational.”

Keyamo further said fostering collaboration, embracing change, and leading with vision and commitment to excellence would shape the future of the aviation ministry.

He reiterated that the CEOs’ commitment, strive for excellence and service, and expertise would contribute to the growth and success of the parastatals.

The minister added that the approval for leadership changes in the six parastatals under the ministry was to elevate the standard of Nigeria’s aviation sector and bolster consumer protection.

Keyamo said the agencies were burdened with the responsibility of giving meaning to public policies, and programmes for the wellbeing of the people.