The recent bilateral working visit to France by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIarb (UK) has marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and addressing critical issues facing Nigeria’s aviation industry. Attended by prominent industry figures and stakeholders, the visit provided a platform for fruitful discussions and strategic engagements aimed at enhancing the sector’s growth and development. Below are the quick wins and take-home from the 4-day long Nigeria France Bilateral Business Forum.
Exploration of Aircraft Manufacturers:
During the visit, airline operators were privileged to interact with various manufacturers of helicopters and aircraft, gaining insights into different models and technological advancements. The delegation’s visit to Airbus Helicopters in Marseille and the aircraft manufacturing giant in Toulouse facilitated firsthand exposure to cutting-edge innovations and solutions within the aviation industry. Furthermore, the tour of ATR’s renowned manufacturing site offered valuable insights into the production processes of regional aircraft, highlighting the global standards upheld by industry leaders.
Addressing Challenges in Aircraft Leasing:
One of the pivotal discussions during the bilateral working visit centered on the challenges surrounding aircraft leasing in Nigeria, particularly the issue of insurance. The delegation, led by Minister Festus Keyamo, engaged in roundtable discussions to identify viable solutions and chart a way forward. The minister’s proactive approach in addressing the complexities of insurance-related impediments reflects a commitment to streamlining processes and facilitating a conducive environment for airline operators.
Policy Initiatives and Advocacy Efforts:
Minister Festus Keyamo underscored the government’s commitment to resolving longstanding issues hindering the leasing process for Nigerian airline operators. His advocacy efforts, including engagements with key stakeholders such as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Attorney General, demonstrate a proactive stance towards overcoming legal obstacles, such as “Jankara” injunctions, that impede lessors’ access to leased aircraft.
Industry Endorsement and Collaborative Endeavours:
The visit received an endorsement from Airbus CEO, Guillaume Faury, who emphasized the importance of collective efforts in resolving challenges within the Nigerian aviation sector. Faury’s recognition of Nigeria’s aviation potential underscores the significance of addressing critical issues to foster industry growth and attract investments. The collaborative spirit exhibited during the bilateral working visit signals a shared commitment among industry stakeholders to drive positive change and unlock the sector’s full potential.
Strategic Partnership With French Aviation School:
The icing on the cake for the bilateral working visit is the strategic partnership with the Africa Aviation and Aerospace University-AAAU and the French’ school of Aviation as the registrar of the Nigerian aviation. The registrar of AAAU, Mustapha Abdullahi Sheikh, and the Business Development Manager of Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile, Farbrice Fabre, during ghe trip, formalized a landmark collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This significant milestone comes as a result of the visionary efforts spearheaded by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIarb (UK), in exploring avenues for mutually beneficial relationships in the aviation sector.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Honourable Minister Festus Keyamo’s bilateral working visit has yielded positive outcomes for Nigeria’s aviation industry, including enhanced collaboration with aircraft manufacturers, proactive initiatives to address leasing challenges, and advocacy efforts to streamline regulatory processes. As the sector continues to evolve, sustained engagement and collaborative endeavors will be essential in realizing the vision of a vibrant and sustainable aviation ecosystem in Nigeria.
Tunde Moshood
SA Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
