During a ministerial press briefing in Abuja, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, revealed that the Federal Government was expending a staggering N12 billion annually on powering the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos alone. This hefty expenditure prompted the government to explore alternative energy sources, particularly solar power, to mitigate costs.
Transition to Solar Power
Keyamo outlined plans to transition the airport’s energy source to solar power, aiming to significantly reduce the financial burden. By bypassing power distribution companies and directly purchasing electricity from generating companies, the ministry anticipates substantial savings. This strategic move is projected to trim expenses by 30%, potentially reducing the monthly expenditure from N1 billion to N600 million.
Suspension of Nigeria Air Project
Addressing another aviation-related matter, Keyamo reiterated that the Nigeria Air project remains suspended. Initially unveiled in 2023 by the Ministry of Aviation under Hadi Sirika’s tenure, the project faced scrutiny over its ownership structure. Concerns arose regarding the involvement of Ethiopian Airlines, which held a 49% equity stake, alongside a consortium of Nigerian investors
The ownership arrangement raised eyebrows, with the House of Representatives labeling the project a potential fraud and demanding its suspension. Keyamo emphasized the importance of an indigenous carrier truly representative of Nigeria’s interests, expressing skepticism over the involvement of foreign entities in flying the national flag.
Indigenous Ownership Advocacy
Keyamo stressed the necessity for any national carrier to be wholly Nigerian-owned, ensuring that the benefits remain within the country. He rebuffed claims that the project was genuinely “Air Nigeria,” asserting that it merely bore the name while being predominantly controlled by foreign interests.
Future Prospects
With the Nigeria Air project indefinitely shelved, attention shifts to the government’s commitment to exploring renewable energy solutions for the aviation sector. The potential transition to solar power not only promises significant cost savings but also underscores efforts towards sustainable development in Nigeria’s infrastructure.
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Written By: Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji