The Coalition for Public Sector Reforms and Accountability (COPSRA) has praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for implementing reforms that are reportedly improving staff morale and service delivery within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition’s president, Abubakar Garba, described the minister’s leadership as “people-first and purpose-driven”, noting that recent developments suggest a marked shift in how aviation agencies function.
Since assuming office, Mr Keyamo has prioritised issues long overlooked in the sector, particularly staff welfare. According to COPSRA, employees across key aviation bodies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), have begun to experience improvements in workplace conditions.
“Prompt salary payments, settled allowances, access to training, and a renewed sense of dignity have brought a breath of fresh air to the sector,” Mr Garba stated. He argued that while such measures might appear elementary, they represent significant progress given the years of neglect previously endured by workers.
COPSRA also attributed the progress to Mr Keyamo’s legal background and reputation as a long-time advocate for fairness and accountability. The group noted that his experience has translated into a reform strategy that combines system overhaul with a human-centred approach.
The coalition further acknowledged efforts by the Ministry to revive capacity building, highlighting the return of both local and international training programmes for aviation staff. It also noted improved relations between management and labour unions, as well as better passenger experiences at airports nationwide.
According to Mr Garba, “What is happening in aviation is proof that with the right leadership, Nigeria’s public sector can function efficiently.”
The coalition also commended President Bola Tinubu for backing the ongoing reform drive, which it says has brought a level of transformation unseen in the sector for years.
