The federal government has approved four to five international routes for United Nigeria Airlines, including New York, Canada and Dubai, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo announced Thursday in Lagos, according to a report by The Sun Nigeria.
Speaking at the unveiling of two new Boeing 737-800NG jets, Keyamo said the decision is part of a plan to shift control of Nigeria’s outbound air traffic to Nigerian airlines. He noted that foreign carriers currently carry 90 to 95 per cent of passengers flying out of the country.
“Our market belongs to us,” he said. “Under our air agreements, Nigeria has equal rights on those routes. So I must help our airlines claim half of that share.”
Keyamo said the routes were cleared early so United Nigeria can grow into them as its fleet expands. The two new aircraft, he added, will also cut delays and cancellations on domestic flights.
He linked the move to reforms under President Bola Tinubu, including the creation of a Nigerian aircraft leasing company to help local carriers buy planes with government backing.
The minister said the policy took two and a half years to yield results after his ministry inherited several court cases with airlines. “We spent months listening, then fixed each issue step by step,” he said.
He also announced plans for an international airport in Abia State that United Nigeria will use as a hub, while Enugu Airport will focus on cargo.
Defending support for private airlines over a national carrier, Keyamo cited Nigeria Airways’ collapse and pointed to Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways as models that thrive through independence.
On flight delays, he said his ministry prefers private talks with airlines instead of public criticism. “Cancelling flights hurts their business too. We work with them to solve problems,” he said.
He called the aircraft unveiling one of his proudest moments in office, saying the reforms have made United Nigeria the second-largest airline in West Africa.
Boeing’s Moore Ibekwe said Nigeria has made progress in financing, safety and regulation since 2023. The new planes were named after Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe and the late Professor Chinua Achebe. A Zenith Bank representative said the investment will boost travel, trade, jobs and national growth.