The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, on Thursday received the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who paid a strategic courtesy visit to advance discussions on the immediate activation of an indigenous airline for Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo arrived with key members of his cabinet and said the proposed airline would operate from Benin Airport. He described aviation as a critical driver for Edo State’s economic revival, investment inflow and job creation, stressing that improved connectivity would help reposition the state for business.
According to the governor, the Edo State Government is already exploring several partnership options to ensure a smooth take-off of operations. He disclosed that discussions are ongoing with South African investors who have pledged to provide aircraft to support the launch.
“If I have my way, I want this airline to kick off immediately — like tomorrow, even before the election. Edo State needs a strong aviation presence to open up our economy and reposition Benin as a major hub,” Okpebholo said.
In his response, the Honourable Minister, Festus Keyamo SAN, welcomed the initiative and described it as timely and visionary. He said the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has also been engaging potential investors who have shown interest in Benin Airport.
Keyamo recalled the historical relevance of Benin Airport in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, noting that it once served as a major confluence point for the old Midwest region during the years of the defunct Okada Air.
“Benin Airport used to be a strong aviation hub during the glory days of Okada Air. There is no reason it cannot reclaim that status. The interest we are seeing today confirms that Benin is ready again,” the minister stated.
To fast-track the process, Keyamo announced the establishment of a technical committee to guide the project. He requested the governor to nominate a point person who will work directly with the Director of Air Transport Management at the ministry for coordination and compliance.
“This committee will report to me and you on a weekly basis for coordination. With collaboration, Benin Airport should be fully operational between the first and second quarters of this year,” Keyamo assured.
The meeting highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening connectivity and supporting state-led aviation development initiatives aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda nationally.
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