The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that Nigeria’s aviation industry is currently navigating a period of turbulence as international crises, rising fuel costs, and domestic operational reforms converge to challenge both passengers and airlines.

He made this known while speaking in an exclusive interview on Frontline, a public affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Tuesday, where he provided an in-depth account of ongoing challenges and government interventions, shedding light on how geopolitical instability far beyond Nigeria’s borders directly impacts local operations and the movement of Nigerians.

“The aviation sector is feeling the immediate impact of the crisis unfolding in the Middle East. Routes that are vital to Nigeria’s international air traffic have been severely disrupted over the past two weeks, leaving thousands of our citizens stranded abroad and causing airlines to rework schedules in unprecedented ways. Most Nigerian passengers rely on transit hubs in Dubai and Doha, and when flights through these cities were cancelled, it created a chain reaction of logistical challenges that we are still trying to address”.

“Some limited operations have resumed, but the level of disruption has been massive, affecting passengers traveling to Europe, the Far East, and other international destinations. Our focus now is on ensuring that Nigerians who were stranded are evacuated safely while working with carriers to gradually restore flights,” Keyamo said, detailing the scale of the crisis and government response.

Middle East Crisis Grounds Key International Routes

The minister elaborated on how the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have particularly affected flights to Europe and Asia, emphasizing the critical reliance on hubs like Qatar and Dubai. He explained that Nigeria’s national carriers and international travelers were both caught off-guard by the cancellations, which have persisted for over two weeks, forcing airlines to operate skeletal schedules to prevent a total breakdown of service.

“Nigeria’s carriers and passengers are highly dependent on Middle Eastern hubs, with Emirates and Qatar Airways managing a significant portion of our international traffic. The cancellations over the last fortnight meant that passengers either were stranded at transit airports or had to defer their travel plans indefinitely, disrupting business engagements, tourism, and family visits. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission worked around the clock to organize evacuation flights, which have successfully brought home many Nigerians, although exact numbers are maintained by the agencies involved. The situation underscores how global instability, even thousands of kilometers away, can have immediate, tangible effects on our sector and the citizens it serves,” Keyamo explained, illustrating the interconnectedness of global aviation and local impact.

Meanwhile, in a statement today by spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal Government, on Monday has said it is working out administrative procedures and the release of funds for the evacuation of Nigerians affected by the ongoing crisis in parts of the Middle-East East.

Similarly, the head of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a post on X, said citizens willing to leave are being safely escorted out of the country through the border, adding that as soon as the tension deescalates, Nigerians will be evacuated.

Rising Jet Fuel Costs Pressure Airlines

Keyamo also highlighted the economic impact of the Middle East crisis, pointing out that aviation fuel costs are directly influenced by global oil markets, which have surged in response to the conflict.

“Jet fuel is essential to the functioning of airlines, and because Nigeria is part of the global aviation market, any fluctuations in international energy prices affect us immediately. Airlines here have to absorb higher operational costs, and this directly influences ticket pricing, scheduling, and overall sector stability. Unlike road transport, where alternatives like CNG exist, aviation has no substitute for Jet A1 fuel at scale. We are actively engaging airlines to ensure that the cost of operations does not unfairly burden passengers, but the reality is that the sector is fully exposed to global energy market volatility. This is a complex challenge that demands careful government oversight to prevent exploitative pricing,” he said, highlighting both the vulnerability of the sector and government efforts to mitigate adverse effects on travelers.

He explained further that while there is a global push toward decarbonization of aviation, it remains largely aspirational at this stage.

“Globally, decarbonization in aviation has barely reached two to three percent. Most airlines continue to rely heavily on Jet A1 fuel because the infrastructure and technology required for large-scale alternative fuels are still underdeveloped. The challenge for Nigeria is that we cannot simply substitute fuel in the short term, so our immediate focus must be on monitoring cost implications and ensuring that no airline exploits rising prices to burden passengers. The sector is caught between global energy dynamics and domestic passenger welfare, and we are doing everything possible to manage that balance,” he emphasized.

Evacuations and Citizen Welfare

Keyamo reflected on the government’s role in evacuating stranded Nigerians, praising the coordinated efforts of the Diaspora Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Thousands of our citizens were stranded in transit cities due to flight cancellations. Some were on personal visits, others were transiting for business or study, and the disruption created a humanitarian challenge as well as an operational one. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission mobilized flights, liaised with foreign governments, and ensured safe passage back to Nigeria for those affected. While exact figures are not within my remit, it is clear that a significant number of citizens have been repatriated safely. The effort required extraordinary coordination and demonstrates the critical role of government in responding to crises that originate far beyond our borders yet have immediate domestic consequences,” he explained, underscoring the magnitude of the effort.

Government Consideration for Relief Measures

Asked whether the government should intervene to cushion Nigerians from rising fuel and aviation costs, Keyamo voiced strong support for targeted relief measures.

Highlighting government responsibility in times of crisis he said: “During times of crisis, it is expected that governments provide support for citizens. History has shown this in situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, when advanced economies delivered cash relief to their populations. In Nigeria, we also implemented targeted interventions to protect vulnerable groups. I personally believe that any measures President Tinubu may consider in response to the current crisis would be appropriate and timely. While there is no formal policy yet on immediate relief for the aviation sector or for passengers affected by fuel price hikes, I am confident that the administration is mindful of the situation and will act in ways that minimize hardship for ordinary Nigerians.”

Cashless Payment System: Policy and Purpose

Keyamo provided clarity on the federal government’s new cashless payment policy for airports, noting that it is a directive from the Presidency aimed at transparency and efficiency rather than a personal initiative.

“The cashless policy was a deliberate, well-considered resolution passed by the Federal Executive Council. It mandates that all government revenue collections, including those at airports, be fully automated and directed into Treasury Single Accounts. Our goal is to eliminate cash handling, which historically enabled corruption, mismanagement, and leakage of government funds. While implementation has not been without challenges, the principle behind the policy is sound and aligns with international best practices in revenue collection,” he said, framing the reform as both a governance improvement and an anti-corruption measure.

He acknowledged the operational challenges faced during the first days of the cashless rollout, explaining that public adaptation to a decades-long cash-based system takes time.

“Passengers arrived at the gates unprepared to pay electronically. Many insisted on cash, causing long lines and delays in processing, which in turn led to missed flights and frustration. Prior public enlightenment campaigns had been carried out, including press releases, educational materials, and media engagement, but the reality is that transitioning from a system entrenched for over 50 years cannot happen overnight. The difficulties experienced were temporary, and by the third or fourth day, passenger compliance was already improving even before presidential intervention,” Keyamo said, emphasizing patience and gradual adaptation.

Hybrid System and Transition Strategy

In response to initial challenges, a hybrid system allowing both cash and card payments was adopted, which Keyamo described as a pragmatic solution.

Keyamo emphasized that the ultimate objective is the full removal of cash from all airport revenue points, but acknowledged that a careful, phased implementation is necessary to avoid operational disruptions and inconvenience to travelers.

“The hybrid approach permits those who have purchased cashless cards to use them while accommodating passengers still dependent on cash. This interim measure ensures continuity of government revenue collection and smooth passenger flow while the public fully adapts to the new system. Our ultimate goal remains the complete elimination of cash at all airport revenue points, but we recognize the need for a careful, phased approach to prevent disruption and public inconvenience.”

Zero Tolerance for Corruption

Keyamo reiterated that moving to cashless transactions would eliminate opportunities for revenue misappropriation at airports.

“In the old cash system, opportunities for diversion and corruption were significant because oversight was limited and accountability difficult. With cashless payment directly linked to government accounts via platforms such as Paystack and POS devices, every naira paid goes straight to the Treasury Single Account. There is no way to circumvent the system. This is a transformative step for transparency, governance, and accountability in the aviation sector, and it represents a milestone in modernizing airport operations nationwide,” he said, emphasizing reform impact.

Terminal One Redevelopment

On airport infrastructure, Keyamo provided detailed updates on the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal One reconstruction project, noting that Chinese firm CCECC has mobilized and established a temporary terminal to maintain operations.

“The temporary terminal allows airlines to continue processing passengers efficiently while preparations are made for the demolition and full reconstruction of the old terminal. This ensures that operations are not disrupted while we work toward delivering a modern, functional, and world-class terminal that meets both domestic and international standards. Passengers and airlines alike will benefit from improved facilities, security, and operational efficiency once the project is completed,” he said, highlighting continuity planning.

Fire Incident and Recovery

The minister acknowledged a recent fire that affected the old terminal but assured that construction timelines remain largely unaffected.

Recall that on  Monday, February 23, 2026, a significant fire incident occurred at Terminal 1 (the old international terminal) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The blaze, which reportedly originated from a server room on the first floor, triggered a swift evacuation of passengers and staff as thick smoke billowed through the departure halls and rose toward the control tower.

The incident forced a temporary closure of the Lagos airspace, leading to the diversion of several international flights to Abuja and leaving hundreds of travelers stranded on the tarmac. While six people sustained minor injuries, emergency responders successfully executed a daring high-altitude rescue of 14 personnel trapped in the control tower. Although operations eventually resumed via a mobile backup system, the fire has raised urgent questions regarding safety protocols at the facility, which was already undergoing a multi-billion naira renovation at the time of the outbreak.

“Unfortunately, a fire incident destroyed some equipment and caused minor delays, but it did not derail our plans. Preparations for stripping the old terminal are ongoing, and reconstruction is set to commence imminently. I personally visit the site regularly to ensure that progress is maintained, resources are accounted for, and transparency is upheld throughout the process,” he said.

Keyamo confirmed that the entire Terminal One redevelopment is scheduled for completion within 22 months.

“The contractor, CCECC, has a clear 22-month timeline to deliver the fully reconstructed terminal. This project represents a major investment in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and demonstrates our commitment to modernizing airport facilities while ensuring that passengers experience safe, efficient, and world-class service,” he said.

Sector at a Crossroads

The minister framed the aviation sector’s current state as a pivotal moment, shaped by global shocks, domestic reforms, and infrastructure upgrades.

“We are navigating a complex environment. International crises have immediate consequences, energy price volatility impacts operations, and domestic reforms require adaptation from both airlines and passengers. Balancing these factors while maintaining service quality is our primary responsibility. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Nigeria’s aviation sector emerges more resilient and efficient or succumbs to avoidable disruptions,” he said.

Patience and Long-Term Vision

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with reforms, emphasizing the structural shift involved in decades-long operational practices.

“We have been collecting cash at airports for over 50 years. Transitioning to a fully digital, cashless system cannot be instantaneous. Initial disruptions are part of the learning curve, and as the public adapts, compliance will improve. The long-term benefits in transparency, accountability, and efficiency are substantial, and the government remains committed to completing this transformation,” he explained.

Passenger Experience and Assurance

Keyamo reassured the public that despite turbulence, passengers will gradually adjust to the new systems, while airlines adapt to global energy challenges.

“Passengers will embrace cashless payments as they understand its convenience, and airlines will adjust operations in response to fuel cost fluctuations. The government’s role is to provide oversight, guidance, and support throughout this process to ensure minimal inconvenience and maximum efficiency,” he said.

The minister stressed that the government is actively monitoring both operational reforms and infrastructure projects to ensure that objectives are met.

“From evacuations to airport revenue modernization and terminal reconstruction, the government is maintaining close oversight. I personally conduct inspections, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure that progress is transparent and accountable. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector in a sustainable, passenger-focused, and corruption-resistant manner,” Keyamo concluded.