Keyamo Sets Up Committee To Finalize Edo Airline Plans
The aviation landscape in the Niger Delta is poised for a transformative shift as Keyamo sets up committee Edo airline launch protocols following a strategic high level meeting in Abuja. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has officially constituted a technical committee to fast-track the establishment of an indigenous airline for Edo State.
This decision came on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who led a powerful delegation of state officials to the Ministry to finalize plans for the “Edo Air” initiative. The project is designed to reposition Benin City as a major commercial and logistics hub in Nigeria, mirroring the glory days when the city served as a primary aviation artery.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized the critical urgency of the project, stating that aviation is the missing link in the state’s economic revival strategy. “If I have my way, I want this airline to kick off immediately, even before the election,” the Governor remarked, highlighting the potential for massive job creation and investment inflow.
To ensure the airline’s technical and operational take-off, the Edo State Government has already entered advanced discussions with a consortium of South African investors who have pledged to provide the initial fleet of aircraft. This international partnership is expected to bring world-class operational standards to the indigenous carrier, ensuring it meets both local regulatory requirements and global safety benchmarks.
Minister Festus Keyamo, while welcoming the visionary move, recalled the historical significance of Benin Airport, noting its prominence during the era of the defunct Okada Air. To bridge the gap between vision and execution, the newly formed technical committee will be tasked with overseeing regulatory compliance, operational planning, and infrastructure readiness at the Benin Airport.
Keyamo has directed the Governor to nominate a focal person to work directly with the Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry. This joint team is mandated to provide weekly progress reports to both the Minister and the Governor, with a target of having Benin Airport fully operational and the airline active between the first and second quarters of 2026.
Economic Impact and Infrastructure Revival
The “Edo Air” project is not merely a transportation venture; it is an infrastructure revival plan. Key highlights of the developmental roadmap include:
- Regional Connectivity: The airline aims to bridge the travel gap between Edo and other major Nigerian cities, reducing reliance on road transport and improving ease of doing business.
- Tourism and Trade: By establishing a homegrown carrier, the state expects a surge in tourism, particularly for the historic Benin Kingdom, and a boost in agricultural trade via cargo potential.
- Airport Modernization: The Federal Government has committed to supporting the upgrading of facilities at the Benin Airport to accommodate increased flight frequencies and modern security standards.
While the initiative has been met with significant enthusiasm from the business community, it has also sparked political debate. The Edo State chapter of the PDP has voiced concerns regarding the capital-intensive nature of floating an airline, calling on the administration to focus on road rehabilitation.
However, the Okpebholo administration remains resolute, arguing that the aviation sector under President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda is a primary driver for sub-national growth. As the technical committee begins its work, the eyes of the nation are on Benin City to see if it can reclaim its status as the aviation heartbeat of the Midwest.