The federal government has confirmed that it will no longer allocate public funds to establish a national carrier, signaling a major shift in Nigeria’s aviation strategy. While the idea of a national airline remains under consideration, authorities say only proposals backed by private investors will be considered. The absence of funding for a national carrier in the 2026 Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development budget underscores this new approach.

Speaking exclusively, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo emphasized that the government is open to investor-driven projects that bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. “We have not officially jettisoned such a plan. However, the FG will not invest in such a venture. If we receive proposals from private investors that will be beneficial to our aviation ecosystem, we will consider them,” he said. This marks a departure from previous plans under former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, which relied heavily on government funding.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, highlighting that a private-sector-led model could ease financial burdens on the government while promoting stronger governance and operational efficiency. Experts note that any credible proposal must detail funding structures, operational strategies, and long-term sustainability to secure government approval. Aviation reforms are ongoing, with a focus on improving infrastructure, safety, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Veteran pilots and aviation executives have weighed in on the challenge of establishing a national carrier. Capt. Mohammed Gbadamasi, chief pilot of the defunct Associated Airlines, stressed that creating a carrier involves more than just buying aircraft. “Are the technical crew trained? Are offices abroad ready? These are just a few of the requirements for setting up an airline from scratch,” he said. Similarly, Capt. John Ojikutu, CEO of Centurion Aviation, supported a private-led approach, suggesting that the government focus on flag carriers instead of a fully national airline.

Some industry insiders suggest leveraging existing domestic airlines, like Air Peace, as designated flag carriers, rather than creating a new entity from scratch. With these perspectives in mind, the federal government maintains that the national carrier concept is not abandoned—but its revival will hinge entirely on viable, investor-backed proposals capable of strengthening Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

source: leadership