Nigeria to become Africa’s aviation hub-Keyamo

BY CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO

Nigeria’s strategic geographical positioning and its potential to become Africa’s aviation hub took centre stage at the International Route Development Conference, Network Cargo 2024, in Moscow, Russia.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, delivered a compelling keynote address to global aviation leaders, highlighting Nigeria’s plans to strengthen its aviation sector and expand international routes.

Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister, disclosed in a statement that the conference, which focuses on enhancing global partnerships through advanced freight forwarding services, drew transport ministers and industry stakeholders from across the globe, eager to explore efficient and competitive cargo routes.

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Keyamo stressed Nigeria’s unique position on the world map, stating that it is the perfect location to serve as Africa’s air transport hub.

He underscored the country’s centrality, noting, “Geographically, we are in the best position to be the real hub of Africa. If you look at the map, we are equidistant to South America across the Atlantic, to Europe, and to Asia. We are about 6 to 7 hours to Doha, Dubai, and Brazil. With our population, we have the dream to develop a real hub for Africa.”

The Minister further pointed out Nigeria’s untapped aviation potential, citing the high volume of international traffic originating from the country.

However, much of this traffic is currently handled by foreign airlines. “Most of the flights originating from Nigeria are not indigenous. Airlines from Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco, and other countries feed on our traffic. They know that Nigerians travel all over the world,” he explained.

In an effort to reverse this trend, Keyamo reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to bolstering the capacity of local airlines.

He assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is focused on ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation industry reaps the benefits of its substantial air traffic.

“Instead of giving up our traffic and airspace to other people, we are focused on ramping up the capacity of our local airlines. That is a major priority of President Tinubu’s administration.”

Reflecting the theme of Network Cargo 2024, Keyamo revealed plans to extend Nigeria’s international reach by establishing direct flights to South America, specifically Brazil.

He remarked: “It is ironic that to fly to Brazil from Nigeria, one has to first travel east to Addis Ababa or go to Angola before heading west. We are working to open up direct routes from Nigeria to South America, addressing this gap in our aviation connectivity.”

Additionally, the Minister touched on Nigeria’s recent adoption of the Cape Town Convention’s practice directions, which govern dry leasing – a widespread practice in the global aviation industry.

By implementing these regulations domestically, Nigeria aims to assure the international leasing community that their aircraft will be protected under Nigerian law.

“The practice direction we signed last week ensures that Nigerian courts protect lessors and financiers, giving them the confidence that their aircraft are safe in Nigeria,” Keyamo said, adding that this move will foster stronger international partnerships while addressing Nigeria’s aviation needs.

The Minister emphasised that Nigeria is well-positioned to become a key player in the global aviation sector, with a focus on strengthening local airlines, securing international cooperation, and expanding routes to previously underserved regions.