Keyamo advocates strategic investment in aviation workforce

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called for deliberate and sustained investment in human capital to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global aviation industry.

Speaking at the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) in Abuja, Keyamo stressed that the aviation sector’s progress depends largely on the competence and continuous development of its workforce.

“For Nigeria to thrive in the evolving global aviation landscape, we must invest in our people, their skills, knowledge, and capacity to manage modern systems. Infrastructure alone cannot drive growth without skilled hands to operate and maintain it,” the minister stated.

Keyamo, who reiterated the importance of his ministry’s Five-Point Agenda, said capacity building, safety, and innovation remain key pillars of the government’s aviation reform plan. He noted that these priorities are essential to meeting international standards and ensuring operational excellence across all segments of the industry.

The minister acknowledged the persistent shortage of skilled professionals, especially air traffic controllers, revealing that the ministry had recalled retired officers as a temporary measure to sustain operations while fresh personnel are being trained.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola