Pecohub The federal government has stated that it has not officially abandoned plans to establish a national carrier, but has made it clear that it will no longer commit public funds to the project.
Pecohub gathered that the absence of funding provisions for a national airline in the 2026 budget of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development reflects the government’s new position.
Speaking exclusively to Pecohub, the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed that while the idea of a national carrier remains under consideration, the federal government will only entertain proposals driven by private investors with clear 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,” Keyamo said.
The minister’s remarks signal a significant shift from previous efforts under the administration of former Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, where government funding played a central role in the proposed national airline project.
Under the current approach, authorities appear focused on encouraging private-sector participation as part of broader reforms to improve efficiency, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability in the aviation industry.
Industry stakeholders have consistently argued that a privately driven national carrier model would ease the government’s financial burden while promoting stronger corporate governance and operational efficiency.
The renewed stance comes amid ongoing reforms in the aviation sector aimed at enhancing infrastructure, safety standards, and investor confidence.
Analysts note that any credible proposal from private investors must clearly outline funding structures, operational strategies and long-term sustainability plans to secure government approval.
Reacting to the development, the chief pilot of the defunct Associated Airlines, Capt. Mohammed Gbadamasi, urged the minister to clearly articulate a roadmap for executing such a complex project.
