The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network has assessed the performance of Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, highlighting key reforms undertaken in Nigeria’s aviation sector within two years of his appointment.
In a mid-term appraisal signed by its president, Opialu Fabian Opialu, the group outlined specific policies and sector improvements attributed to Keyamo, emphasising their alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The aviation sector has moved from doubt to direction under the stewardship of Festus Keyamo. We now see deliberate and data-backed reforms that have enhanced Nigeria’s global standing in aviation compliance, safety, and capacity,” Opialu said.
The group noted the adoption of the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA) rules, which increased Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention compliance from 70.5% to 75.5%, placing the country in a higher compliance category. The organisation stated that this reform restored international trust in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“From reforms in IDERA and aviation insurance to the promotion of local content through the Fly Nigeria Act and in-flight catering localisation, Minister Keyamo has redefined what it means to lead with vision,” the statement read.
Additionally, the group cited improvements in passenger experience, including the reduction in airport processing times due to the installation of e-gates at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, as well as strategic upgrades at regional airports such as Muhammadu Buhari Airport in Maiduguri.
“These interventions are not abstract—they are visible to the average traveller and meaningful to the local economies they serve,” Opialu added.
The statement also highlighted Keyamo’s efforts in international diplomacy, noting new bilateral partnerships and restored routes, including the resolution of Nigeria’s aviation dispute with the United Arab Emirates and fresh agreements with Italy and Algeria.
“His global engagement and successful negotiations have brought Nigerian aviation back to the table of serious international players,” Opialu noted.
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network also acknowledged efforts to enhance aviation safety through executive training partnerships with institutions such as Boeing’s Global Learning Institute and Cranfield University, which it said have contributed to a measurable reduction in aviation incidents.
While recognising these initiatives, the group urged other ministers to pursue similar policy-driven improvements in their respective sectors.
“We urge all ministers and heads of parastatals to emulate this model of results-driven leadership. Nigerians are hungry for development, and the time to act is now,” the statement added.
The organization pledged to continue monitoring government reforms while encouraging civic participation in evaluating public officials’ performance in line with national development goals.
