The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has explained why President Bola Tinubu decided to halt the implementation of the Oronsaye Report, which had recommended merging certain federal agencies, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Keyamo shared the details during a speech on Sunday in Abuja, marking the 25th anniversary of the NCAA. Reflecting on the agency’s resilience, he stated: “From the story of the former minister, I am sure you can see that the NCAA is a child of destiny. Despite turbulent times and several attempts to undermine it, the NCAA has survived for 25 years.”
He continued, emphasizing the maturity that comes with the milestone: “I am sure you know that any child born 25 years ago would, undoubtedly, have reached the age of maturity—by then, they would have graduated, completed national service, and begun working. So, 25 years marks the age of maturity.”
Keyamo then addressed the Oronsaye Report’s controversial recommendation, revealing that the NCAA’s merger with NAMA had been part of the report’s suggestions. “Few people know that the Oronsaye Report recommended merging the NCAA with NAMA—another attempt to undermine the NCAA,” he said.
He further explained the report’s journey through multiple administrations, noting, “That report was passed down from Jonathan’s government to Buhari’s government and then to the present administration. Throughout Buhari’s tenure, we were unable to consider it.”
Keyamo, who had served under the previous administration and remained in office in the current government, shared his experience when the issue resurfaced under President Tinubu’s leadership. He recalled, “Coincidentally, I was the only minister who remained in office until this government. So, I was part of the previous administration, and though the report came up a few times in council, we could not deliberate on it.”
The minister then detailed how the matter was considered in Tinubu’s government. “But guess what? It was considered under this government. The report was brought up that day, and I was ready with my battle axe. The president carefully reviewed every item in the Oronsaye Report and asked the council to vote.”
Keyamo recalled that when the recommendation for the merger of NCAA and NAMA came up, he opposed it. “I raised my hand and said, ‘No.’ I spoke for about five minutes. Because we have a president who listens to good counsel and sound arguments, after I finished speaking, he said, ‘Item dropped.’ NCAA and NAMA will not be merged.”
