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Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to ensure that Enugu Air, the newly launched state-owned airline, remains free from political meddling and bureaucratic bottlenecks that could hamper its growth.
The Minister further highlighted the importance of safeguarding Enugu Air from suffering the same fate as the defunct Nigerian Airways, which folded up years ago.
Speaking at the airline’s official launch in the state capital on Monday, Festus Keyamo advised the state government to prioritise professional management practices to ensure the airline’s sustainability and long-term success.
He said: “What is left to advise is, do not let Enugu Air go the way of Nigerian Airways.
Run it professionally and do not let bureaucracy kill Enugu Air. Be prompt in your departure and arrival.”
The minister commended the governor’s intimidating leadership style and development strides, describing Mbah as a man with progressive spirit.
Read also: Enugu Air, CNG, Transport Terminals Take Off In May – Govt
“I want to mirror what the president said the other day while he was in Enugu to commission projects. Dr. Peter Mbah, you’re in PDP, but we’re scared of you.
The way you’re going, we don’t know what will happen, and we don’t know how to drop a scheme to defeat you, but we will be planning.
“Beyond party lines, you are a man with a progressive spirit; a man who has done well for his state.
And this has made you one of the best-performing governors in the country,” Keyamo said.
Governor Mbah disclosed that since he took over, the airline had been among the key objectives he had outlined in his pledge to make Enugu the premier destination for investment.
“Today, we have our airline, and with it, we’re opening doors to a sector that once felt out of reach. Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams, and today we take that first flight together,” Mbah stated.
He hailed the launch of Enugu Air as a remarkable milestone for the state, describing it as a shining example of effective collaboration between government and private investors.
He clarified that the airline is not solely owned by the government but is a joint venture between private investors and the people of Enugu State.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, recounted his early days in Governor Mbah’s administration. He recalled how, within his first fortnight, the governor posed a striking question: whether there was any real barrier preventing Enugu from becoming a transportation and logistics hub like Dubai or Singapore. Ozor said he confidently replied, “No, sir.”
He remarked that the launch of Enugu Air proves the state’s mission to lead Africa’s transformation is already underway. “Enugu does not need to wait for the future,” he added. “The future is here with us.”
Ozor expressed his gratitude to Governor Mbah for having the courage to dream big and the determination to translate vision into reality.
