“I’d Rather Get You Sacked Than Lose My Job,” Festus Keyamo Warns Aviation Chiefs
In a stern and uncompromising address to the chief executives of aviation agencies under his Ministry, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, declared, “I’d Rather Get You Sacked Than Lose My Job.” The message was delivered during a one-day stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, marking the first such gathering since Keyamo assumed office. He revealed the existence of a performance bond signed by the ministers serving in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, emphasizing that they are under a contractual obligation to perform.
Festus Keyamo’s bold declaration placed the aviation agency CEOs under tremendous pressure as he demanded their support to secure his position as Minister. Referring to a recent three-day retreat with President Tinubu and all Ministers, Keyamo highlighted the importance of this performance bond and urged stakeholders to back his leadership.
Keyamo made it clear that the situation was critical, stating, “On this side, it is either I get sacked or they get sacked. So, it is a race to who will survive. That’s what I have told all my CEOs, somebody must die first, but before I die, I will take you down.” The Minister’s statement underscores the high stakes involved and the significant responsibility placed on aviation agency heads to ensure optimal performance.
Keyamo Seeks Industry Support for Enhanced Aviation Sector
The purpose of the retreat, according to Festus Keyamo, was to gather input from industry experts and stakeholders. He urged those in attendance to contribute their expertise to the roadmap and focus areas aimed at transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector into a world-class industry that aligns with the aspirations of Nigerians and all aviation stakeholders. Keyamo stressed the importance of collaboration and problem-solving rather than blame-shifting.
The Minister also emphasized that President Tinubu’s economic plan, a three-year revival strategy outlined during his inaugural Federal Executive Council meeting, provided a framework for addressing Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges. Keyamo expressed his commitment to incorporating the plan into the aviation industry’s focus areas, working toward economic development and prosperity for the nation.
Keyamo’s Achievements and Plans in the Aviation Sector
Highlighting his activities since taking office, Keyamo shared several significant accomplishments. He recounted his inspections of Nigeria’s major airports, specifically Lagos and Abuja, and the establishment of a task force responsible for relocating foreign airlines to a new terminal. This move was deemed necessary due to the deteriorating state of the old international terminal, which was not reflective of Nigeria’s reputation.
Festus Keyamo also announced the receipt of land for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He described this event as a historic milestone that has been eagerly anticipated for the past two decades. The construction of the second runway is expected to provide substantial economic benefits to the nation, further underscoring Keyamo’s dedication to the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Future Prospects and Collaboration in the Aviation Industry
To address concerns and gather additional insights from agencies and unions within the aviation industry, Keyamo revealed plans for a management retreat following the stakeholders’ meeting. The Minister aims to harness these valuable inputs to steer the aviation industry forward and enhance its role in Nigeria’s economic development.
Mr. Festus Keyamo’s strong stance on performance and accountability within the aviation sector sends a clear message to agency CEOs and stakeholders alike. As the aviation industry is poised for transformation and growth, the Minister’s commitment to the sector’s development and his willingness to uphold his performance bond signal a new era of accountability and progress in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
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