In a recent turn of events, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has found himself embroiled in controversy following a video in which he was seen promoting Airbus Manufacturing Company in Toulouse, France. The video, which surfaced unexpectedly, has raised eyebrows among industry players and the public alike.
In the video, Keyamo enthusiastically lauds the capabilities of Airbus, highlighting its contributions to the aviation sector. However, it is his subsequent challenge for a public debate involving professionals in the aerospace industry that has drawn significant attention and criticisms.
Many industry players have voiced their skepticism regarding the necessity of such a debate. They argue that Keyamo’s promotion of Airbus, coupled with his challenge for a public debate, seems unnecessary and potentially counterproductive. Some have questioned the motives behind the minister’s actions, speculating about potential conflicts of interest or ulterior motives.
The video filmed at the simulation factory of Airbus in Toulouse, France, during a visit by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has ignited a firestorm of criticism among Nigerian aviation professionals. Clocking in at 1 minute and 59 seconds, the footage features Keyamo apparently speaking favorably about the European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus
The unexpected promotion in the video has drawn sharp rebuke from industry insiders, who have labeled Keyamo’s actions as “unsolicited.” Many aviation professionals have expressed concerns over the minister’s apparent endorsement of Airbus, questioning the motives behind such overt support for a foreign aircraft manufacturer.
Many of them argued that Keyamo as the number one man in the country’s aviation industry fell short of that position and wondered if his arrays of Special Advisers and Special Assistants were on top of their games.
Keyamo and his team, including some of the airlines’ Chief Operating Officers (COOs), Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), agencies’ heads and ground handling companies’ executive officers, had toured France for four days on a bilateral basis working on Nigeria’s aviation industry.
According to Tunde Moshood, Keyamo’s Special Assistant on Media, the minister was also in Marseille at the factory of Airbus Helicopters where he made efforts to address some challenges facing the Nigerian aviation industry and sought to improve the ostensibly periphery relationship between the two countries.
It was reported that the minister also addressed crucial issues regarding aircraft leasing, insurance premiums for Nigerian airlines, and the establishment of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facilities. These efforts align with Nigeria’s commitments as a signatory to the Cape Town Convention and are vital for the country’s aviation sector development.
In the short video clip, Keyamo said: “This is the factory of the aircraft manufacturing giant – Airbus in Toulouse, France. This is the aircraft for Nigeria – Airbus 220 family, the jack of all trades for Nigeria. You see it all the time in Nigeria. This is the A350 and when you enter it, you will see heaven on earth in the aircraft. This is the big one here, the A380 – the double decker. Look at it, you can’t get it bigger than this.
“This is an A330, it’s awesome. We also have A320. These are the models of Airbus. They are awesome aircraft and we are trying to get some of these into the country with our private airline operators. We want to make the conditions conducive enough for the aircraft leasing companies to bring these into Nigeria, but this is the major factory of Airbus in Toulouse.”
While some commend the minister for his initiatives and tours seeking investment, there are concerns about the recent outburst from Keyamo challenging industry professionals to an “open debate.” Despite this, some professionals see nothing wrong with the promotion done for Airbus, viewing it as representing the country’s image positively. Overall, there seems to be a nuanced response to the minister’s actions.
Keyamo, in his reaction to the criticism, had labeled the professionals as “some so-called aviation experts,” alleging that they were speaking for “some interests.”
Keyamo’s statement, personally signed by him, accuses industry professionals of failing to take action over the years to revive the aviation industry and steer it in the right direction. This accusation likely adds to the tension surrounding the minister’s efforts and the broader discourse on the industry’s challenges and potential solutions.
He said, “Some so-called aviation ‘experts’ who have failed to do anything over the years to help revive the industry are suddenly pontificating (as they have always done) as if they hold some ‘magic wand’ to turn the industry around, when in fact we know they are speaking for some interests who think the aviation industry in Nigeria is their birthright. I challenge them to a public debate on this”.
He further said, “We are determined to go far and near to woo aircraft leasing companies and aircraft manufacturers to come to our aid. There is no shame in doing this now since we lack capacity to produce our own aircrafts or to purchase them. So, please expect more videos of us introducing aircraft manufacturers and their products to Nigerians as we continue our drive to woo them to invest in our Nigerian businesses.
Aviation analyst, John Ojikutu has criticized Keyamo, stating that his recent approach has encroached upon the responsibilities of aviation agencies’ CEOs. Ojikutu emphasized his dissatisfaction with the video and called for Keyamo to be held accountable. He further highlighted Keyamo’s role as a sales representative for a foreign aircraft manufacturer, expressing concern about potential institutional corruption within the government administration. This criticism underscores the complexity and controversy surrounding Keyamo’s involvement in aviation matters.
Aviation analyst Chris Amokwu has also asserted that Minister Keyamo breached protocol by marketing Airbus, arguing that this action undermined Nigeria’s value. Amokwu believes that the minister should have entrusted industry technocrats with negotiating to Nigeria’s advantage instead. He emphasized that as a minister, Keyamo represents millions of stakeholders and should uphold the country’s image appropriately. Additionally, Amokwu urged Keyamo’s aides to enhance their performance in supporting the minister’s duties effectively. This critique underscores the expectations for ministers to act in the best interest of the nation and maintain diplomatic protocols.
He added: “The revelation of our nakedness is sad indeed. No wonder everybody outside of us wants a go at kicking us around. The minister is not at fault, his advisers are.”
