Business
KEYAMO AS A SYNONYM FOR AVIATION REFORMS By Achile Achimugu
*KEYAMO AS A SYNONYM FOR AVIATION REFORMS
By Achile Achimugu
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, enjoys many positive faces, making him ubiquitous and an all-round achiever. Truth is, anywhere he is placed, he performs in absolute unbeatable stewardship marked by tangible improvements.
Today, this bundle of proficiency and talents is progressively driving positive reforms, aimed at gradually reshaping Nigeria’s aviation landscape, enhancing safety, and boosting economic opportunities, the evolution of which is clearly upbeat, visionary, and radically transformative, rapidly changing the aviation sector into a world-class aviation industry through positive change.
Chief Keyamo’s wind of change began at a point where Nigeria’s aviation sector was comatose, plagued by inefficiencies and multifaceted systematic challenges; hence, immediately after assuming office, Chief Keyamo decided on some key reforms, captured under his five-point agenda which focused on advancing safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development, and revenue generation.
These also serve as a blueprint for Nigeria’s long-term aviation success. Chief Keyamo’s imperative on modernizing infrastructure, improving safety, and creating opportunities for local airlines is a demonstration of his vision for a thriving aviation industry.
So far, Chief Keyamo’s audacious tenure has set lofty heights in the improvement of safety standards, enhancing the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) by ensuring strict compliance with international safety protocols, which has led to Nigeria’s recertification by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a testament to the country’s commitment to aviation safety, and a substantial increase in the country’s compliance score with the Cape Town Convention.
In a deliberate measure at soaring up the infrastructural deficits within the sector, Chief Festus embarked upon the rehabilitation of airports and air navigation infrastructure, fast-tracking various projects with desired acceptable qualities, and enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
The improvement and modernisation of Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport and other key airports to world standard with state-of-the-art facilities has improved facilities and streamlined processes, reducing congestion and delays, coupled with the modernization of airports, including Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Abuja’s second runway, enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Chief Keyamo’s boost of the Local Aviation Industry through efficient utilization of local content development has spurred growth in the domestic aviation industry, while his policies of promoting indigenous carriers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities have created jobs and stimulated economic activity, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Tinubu government’s broader agenda of fostering self-reliance and economic diversification.
An enigma, Chief Keyamo’s leadership, which is anchored on a collaborative approach, prioritizing stakeholders’ engagement, and driving innovation, has distinctly positioned Nigeria as a key player in African aviation, enhancing the country’s global reputation with the country being removed from the Aviation Working Group’s (AWG) watchlist of non-compliant countries under the Cape Town Convention.
Through his dogged commitment, he has been able to innovatively secure the Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs), finalizing key elements and opening up new markets for Nigerian airlines while promoting tourism and trade.
His Local Aviation Industry Growth policies have boosted local airlines, with Air Peace launching flights to London Gatwick and securing reciprocal flying rights to Heathrow, while the Aerospace Development programs have promoted partnerships with international organizations in developing aerospace technology and education.
His numerous superlative performances have won him several Awards and Recognitions, including Best Minister of the Year 2024, awarded by The New Telegraph, Minister of the Year, a recognition by The Sun and Daily Independent, and the Super Minister Award, which is an honour bestowed on him by The Street Journal.
Poised to navigate the various challenges, Chief Festus Keyamo SAN has sustained positive efforts and the necessary resilience needed to address the various shortfalls such as high operating costs and security concerns; this is against the backdrop of his pragmatic, proactive, and audacious problem-solving approach, which significantly demonstrates that he is progressively and consistently on the right track, and that the reforms carried out have impacted positively on our airspace.
Achimugu wrote this piece from Kaduna.
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
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