The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has presented a proposed ₦184.39 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation, outlining plans to modernise infrastructure and consolidate reforms in the sector.
Presenting the proposal at the National Assembly on Wednesday, the minister said the sum of ₦184,392,160,433.00 would be deployed to strengthen safety systems, upgrade digital infrastructure and enhance human capacity development across aviation agencies.
Keyamo expressed appreciation to members of the committees for their continued support assuring lawmakers of the ministry’s commitment to transparency and sustained collaboration in repositioning Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He explained that the 2026 proposal was strategically designed to improve operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and service delivery in line with international standards.
The minister highlighted key milestones recorded in the 2025 fiscal year despite funding constraints.
He disclosed that the Federal Government cleared outstanding debts owed to foreign airlines, a move that restored confidence among international carriers operating in Nigeria.
He also listed Nigeria’s compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the reopening of direct flight operations to the United Arab Emirates, and the commencement of direct Abuja-Heathrow flights by a domestic airline to boost competition and reduce airfares.
According to him, the establishment of a national aircraft leasing company was another landmark achievement aimed at supporting indigenous operators and reducing capital flight.
Keyamo further briefed lawmakers on the recent fire outbreak at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, which destroyed critical equipment belonging to some aviation agencies.
He appealed to the National Assembly to support affected agencies with funding to replace the damaged equipment, noting that the incident led to operational setbacks and financial losses.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Buhari Abdulfatai, stressed the need for prudent management of public funds, describing oversight as a constitutional responsibility of the legislature.
He urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies to prioritise completion of ongoing projects and avoid abandoning critical infrastructure.
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Festus Olanrewaju, advised that implementation of the 2026 budget should remain people-focused, promote infrastructure development and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth.
Also present at the session were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Yakubu Kofarmata, directors of the ministry and heads of aviation agencies.
