Keyamo Reveals N14bn Debt by Domestic Airline

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed that one domestic airline is indebted to the Federal Government in the amount of N14 billion. He noted that this debt is hindering aviation agencies from fulfilling their statutory responsibilities, despite the government's efforts to ease the financial burden on airlines through debt relief and negotiated repayment plans.

The government has written off 30 percent of the debts owed by operators, but the remaining debts are still significant. Keyamo indicated that the government has opted for a lenient approach rather than a hard stance against indebted airlines, understanding the challenging operating environment.

He recently instructed airline operators to submit structured repayment schedules, which has led to some airlines beginning to pay off their debts incrementally. Additionally, Keyamo addressed a security breach involving a foreign-registered private jet that landed on an incomplete road near Asaba Airport, stating that investigations are ongoing and the crew is in the custody of the Department of State Services.