In a bold and unprecedented statement, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, declared that he would prefer to dismiss chief executives of the aviation agencies falling under his purview than risk losing his own job.
This startling revelation came to light during a one-day stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos, marking the first such gathering since Keyamo assumed office.
Minister Keyamo’s candid admission took many by surprise, as he made it clear that he was prepared to take drastic measures to secure his position in the administration.
This statement comes on the heels of ministers in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government having signed a performance bond, which signifies their obligation to deliver results and meet specific targets.
At the stakeholders’ meeting, Minister Keyamo appealed to industry stakeholders for their support, underlining the critical need to rally behind his leadership to safeguard his position. This call for support underscores the high stakes and intense pressures within the aviation and aerospace sector.
Keyamo said, “We had a three-day retreat with Mr. President, all the Ministers. At the end of the day, we signed a performance bond. I also signed my performance bond yesterday. So, if you don’t want me to get sacked in the next few months, you need to support me.”
“On this side, it is either I get sacked or they get sacked. So, it is a race to who will survive. That’s what I have told all my CEOs, somebody must die first but before I die I will take you down.”
He said that the essence of the retreat was to receive inputs from the CEOs as technocrats and players in the industry.
Keyamo said, “Your input will add value to the road map/focus area that the Industry will prioritize to make our Aviation Sector world class and meet the aspirations of Nigerians and all Aviation Stakeholders. We should desist from game blame and focus on solving the problems in the industry.
“As you are aware, Mr. President has unveiled his economic plan. The three-year economic revival plan that emerged from his inaugural Federal Executive Council meeting is anchored in an Eight-Point focus area targeted at addressing Nigeria’s socio economic challenges.
“It seeks to move away from the frenzied borrowing of the last government, check the unacceptably high jobless rate, achieve economic growth, prosperity for all, and end poverty. This, we as an industry, will factor into our own focus areas for the development of the industry and in turn the economic development of our Nation.”
On activities under his ministry since his appointment, he said, “You will recall that following my appointment by Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I had gone on inspection of the Nigeria Airports i.e Lagos and Abuja.
“I set up a task-force for the relocation of foreign airlines from the old international terminal to the new terminal following the state of disrepair of the old terminal which does not speak well about Nigeria as a people.
“The task force has since submitted their report. We are looking at their recommendations for possible action. We will overhaul this terminal to further boost the revenue drive of our airports.
“I equally, formally received the land for the construction of the 2nd runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from the Jiwa Community. This is a historic event and dream come through, which Nigerians have looked up to for the past two decades.
“You can be rest assured that the benefits of the second runway will provide substantial economic advantage to the Nation.
“I have also received briefs from some of the Agencies under the Ministry and the Unions in the Aviation Industry. I have taken note of the concerns raised. After this engagement we shall have a management retreat where we will further distill your inputs as stakeholders to move the Aviation Industry forward.”