My Concern For Aviation In Nigeria- Festus Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has revealed a critical issue of concern to him concerning the industry in Nigeria.

The minister made this known, while speaking at the grand finale of the 14th National Travel Essay Competition, NTEC 2025, organised by Travel and Business News and held in Lagos.

Represented at the event by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), Mrs Obiageli Orah, the minister mentioned ageing workforce in the country’s air transport sector, as a thing of concern to him.

Recognising it as a globally regulated sector, he has thus made a case for stakeholders to put measures in place to attract the talents required to move the industry forward.

This move has become necessary to identifying, encouraging, nurturing and attracting young talents into the aviation industry.

“As a globally regulated sector, it is important that stakeholders put measures in place to continually attract the right quality and quantity of human resources required to move the industry forward”, Keyamo said.

He added: “It is important to note that programmes such as this, are avenues through which we can breed, nurture, and harvest such human resources.

“One of the critical challenges facing the industry is the ageing and retiring workforce leading to widened knowledge gaps and operational issues.

This programme, I believe, is among other things, designed to make aviation appealing to the younger generation while encouraging them to develop interest in taking up a career in the industry.”

Aside Festus Keyamo, another fellow who spoke at the event is the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, stated that the year’s theme: ‘Navigating Career Entry Challenges to Secure the Future’ reflected the shared concerns of countless young Nigerians.

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The DG who was represented by the NCAA’s Regional Manager in Lagos, Olubukola Teriba, said such countless young Nigerians, though desirous of seeking to actually make their mark in aviation, tourism, and the wider transport ecosystem, however often face steep barriers.

He identified the barriers to include a lack of access, limited mentorship, financial constraints, skill mismatches, and systemic gaps.

“I commend the organisers for their unwavering commitment to youth development, intellectual engagement, and aviation advocacy.

“Your vision to connect young Nigerians with the world of air transport and tourism through writing, dialogue, and mentorship is both timely and commendable”, he stated.