By Joel Ajayi

As Nigeria marks a new milestone in its aviation history, Chidi E. Nwogu, former member of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation and former Subcommittee Chairman on NAMA, has commended the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), for his steadfast efforts in ensuring fairness, equity, and national interest in the aviation sector.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Mr. Nwogu — who currently serves as a Member of the Governing Council of the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Abuja expressed his delight at being among aviation stakeholders scheduled to participate in the Air Peace maiden non-stop flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to London Heathrow Airport, England, on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

Mr. Nwogu lauded the Aviation Minister for his resilience and strategic leadership in implementing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), which has paved the way for Air Peace to operate this lucrative route, previously dominated by foreign airlines.

“With this singular gesture,” he stated, “the Honourable Minister has created a highly enabling environment for indigenous airlines with the potential to expand their routes and strengthen their operations. This development also opens opportunities for local carriers to enter effective dry and wet lease agreements that meet international standards, allowing them to compete with the very best.”

He further commended Chief Allen Onyema and the management of Air Peace for taking advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate the capability and professionalism of Nigerian airlines on global routes.
Mr. Nwogu noted that this achievement aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Nigerian First Project,’ which emphasizes promoting local capacity and prioritizing Nigerian excellence across sectors.
> “I am confident that our local airlines will continue to match — and even surpass — the operational quality and consistency of their foreign counterparts,” he added.

In a related remark, Mr. Nwogu drew attention to the Nigerian Automotive Industry Bill, sponsored by Senator (Engr.) Patrick Ndubueze, which has passed its Second Reading in the Senate and is awaiting a public hearing. He explained that the Bill seeks to strengthen local manufacturing and encourage Nigerians to patronize domestically produced goods — particularly by directing government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize local procurement.
Finally, Mr. Nwogu urged Air Peace and other Nigerian carriers to explore lucrative West African routes that are currently monopolized by foreign airlines.
> “It is surprising that some of these shorter regional routes attract higher fares than certain European destinations,” he observed. “It’s time for Nigerian airlines to compete favorably within the subregion.”

As Air Peace commences this historic inaugural flight to London, Mr. Nwogu expressed optimism that the airline’s preflight handling, onboard services, and arrival operations will meet or exceed international standards — further showcasing Nigeria’s growing competence and confidence in global aviation.

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