- Festus Keyamo ruled out a government owned national carrier
- The statement took place in Lagos on 23 June 2026
- United Nigeria Airlines received two Boeing 737-800 aircraft
- Direct cargo flights to China target December launch
- A new cargo corridor with RwandAir launched on 19 June 2026
Nigeria has ruled out the creation of a state owned national carrier. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the government position at an event in Lagos on 23 June 2026. The minister spoke during the delivery of the first two Boeing 737-800 aircraft to United Nigeria Airlines. Keyamo stated that public funds would not go into a national airline.
The government focuses instead on supporting private carriers through policy measures. Plans advance for direct cargo flights between Guangzhou and Enugu with a December target. United Nigeria Airlines targets a fleet of 22 aircraft by the end of 2026.
Festus Keyamo and Trade Minister Jumoke Oduwole launched a new cargo corridor with RwandAir on 19 June 2026. The partnership improves access to Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya and South Africa. United Nigeria operates from Enugu with additional ACMI aircraft.
Festus Keyamo shared “We do not have a national carrier, but we are proud of our flag carriers. Our focus as a government is to assist private operators and businesses grow by formulating the right policies to assist them.”
