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Tag: Festus Keyamo

  • PDP Tackles Keyamo Over Comments on Jonathan’s 2027 Ambition

    The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over his comments advising former President Goodluck Jonathan not to accept any presidential nomination ahead of the 2027 election.

    The opposition party accused Keyamo of meddling in its internal affairs and questioned his authority to determine Jonathan’s political future.

    PDP Questions Keyamo’s Position

    In a statement,  PDP said it would ordinarily have ignored the minister’s remarks but chose to respond because of what it described as growing anxiety within the ruling All Progressives Congress over calls for Jonathan’s possible return to national leadership.

    The party argued that Keyamo’s comments were inconsistent with his past role as a public interest lawyer and activist.

    “It is rather ironic that Festus Keyamo, a man who built his public profile through relentless criticism of governments and public office holders, now seeks to deny others the very democratic space he once occupied with such enthusiasm,” the statement said.

    Focus on Governance, PDP Tells Minister

     PDP said Nigerians remember Keyamo as a vocal critic of those in authority and questioned why he now appeared uncomfortable with political parties exercising their constitutional rights.

    The party urged the minister to concentrate on issues affecting the aviation sector rather than opposition politics.

    “Instead of concerning himself with the internal affairs of the PDP, the Minister would do well to devote his energy to addressing the numerous challenges confronting the aviation sector and the wider administration of which he is a part,” the statement added.

    Jonathan’s Record Defended

    PDP also defended Jonathan’s administration, arguing that many Nigerians still remember his tenure positively.

    According to the party, the former president presided over a period marked by political stability, economic growth and increased investor confidence.

    “The obvious nervousness that has greeted President Jonathan’s candidacy is understandable because Nigerians have not forgotten that under his administration, the country enjoyed political stability, sustained economic growth, increased foreign investor confidence and a more inclusive national atmosphere,” the party stated.

    Party Dismisses Political Pressure

    PDP maintained that no form of political pressure would stop Nigerians from supporting candidates of their choice in future elections.

    It added that as the country moves closer to another election cycle, many citizens are seeking capable and unifying leaders who can address the nation’s economic and security challenges.

    The party concluded by advising Keyamo to focus on helping the government tackle pressing national issues rather than offering what it described as unsolicited political advice to Jonathan.

  • FG, Airlines Deadlocked Over Jet Fuel Pricing as Tinubu’s Debt Relief Plan Faces Test

    The Federal Government, airline operators, and fuel marketers have failed to reach an agreement on Jet A1 pricing after an emergency meeting in Abuja, setting a 72-hour window to resolve the standoff.

    Talks end in deadlock

    The meeting, involving the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) and aviation fuel marketers, ended without a resolution, with stakeholders appointing focal representatives to continue negotiations.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the parties would reconvene within 48 to 72 hours to agree on a fair pricing structure.

    “The airlines cannot continue for the next several days with the current prices… they have been stretched to limits,” he said.

    Pressure mounts despite FG intervention

    The deadlock comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu approved a 30 percent debt waiver for airlines, part of broader efforts to cushion the impact of rising operational costs.

    However, stakeholders say the relief may not be enough if fuel pricing remains unresolved.

    Airlines warn of possible shutdown

    Air Peace Chairman and AON representative, Allen Onyema, warned that airlines may be forced to halt operations if urgent action is not taken.

    “No airline is going to be flying in the next seven days if something is not done,” he said.

    He argued that the spike in Jet A1 prices in Nigeria far exceeds global trends, despite international factors like the US-Iran situation.

    “It’s only in Nigeria that we have about 200 to 270 percent increase… while in other parts of the world, it is about 70 percent,” Onyema added.

    Regulator signals possible action

    Keyamo stressed that while the sector operates under a free market system, pricing must remain reasonable.

    “There is a free market… but it is not a licence to go haywire,” he said, hinting at possible regulatory steps if necessary.

    72-hour window to resolve crisis

    Stakeholders are expected to return with recommendations within three days as the government pushes for a resolution to avoid disruption to flight operations.

    The situation continues to dominate latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today, with concerns growing over the impact on air travel and the wider economy.

  • Tinubu Moves to Waive Airlines’ Debts, Slash Ticket Charges Amid Jet A1 Crisis

    President Bola Tinubu has approved plans to waive debts owed by domestic airlines and reduce multiple charges on flight tickets, as part of urgent measures to ease pressure from the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel.

    Keyamo reveals presidency’s intervention

    Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development on Wednesday after a meeting with airline operators and oil marketers in Abuja.

    “I had the privilege of meeting Mr. President… The first request that he will consider and grant is a generous discount on the debts the airlines are owing aviation agencies,” Keyamo said.

    He noted that the decision affects debts owed to agencies such as NAMA, FAAN, and NCAA, with the final percentage of relief to be determined by the president.

    Fresh plan to cut ticket charges

    Keyamo also revealed that Tinubu has directed the formation of a committee to review and remove multiple levies, taxes, and fees on domestic air tickets.

    “He wants to set up a committee to address the issue of levies, taxes, and fees on domestic tickets once and for all,” the minister said.

    The committee is expected to submit recommendations within a short timeframe, with the aim of reducing costs for air travellers.

    Airlines push for full waiver

    Reacting to the proposal, Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema urged the president to go further by approving a total waiver of all airline debts.

    He also called for a temporary suspension of payments by operators until global fuel supply stabilises.

    Onyema commended Tinubu’s responsiveness, citing the recent removal of the 4 per cent Free on Board charge as a positive step.

    Funding concerns raised

    The airline boss further highlighted the high cost of financing in Nigeria, noting that operators access loans at rates between 30 and 35 per cent, compared to about 3 per cent globally.

    “In Nigeria, we acquire at 30 to 35 per cent. This is killing,” Onyema said, urging the government to strengthen the Bank of Industry to support airlines with lower-interest funding.

    Relief expected for aviation sector

    The proposed measures are expected to provide temporary relief for airline operators and passengers amid the ongoing fuel crisis affecting flight operations across the country.

    The development is already gaining attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as stakeholders await implementation details.