Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development ,Mr Festus Keyamo, delivering his speech at facilities inspections at AAAU
By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja-
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to place Kwam 1 on a no-fly list pending full investigation into an altercation between ValueJet staff and crew and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
Keyamo revealed he received reports from relevant aviation agencies and video footage of the incident.
“From all the details so far received, my preliminary impression is that it was obviously a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides which could have led to serious fatalities.”
Kwam 1 allegedly blocked ValueJet’s aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway.
Keyamo stated, “Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 has said, he CONSTANTLY moved his position on the tarmac to ACTUALLY BLOCK the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off. This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour.”
Both sides breached standard safety protocols as required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Keyamo commended NCAA for temporarily suspending the license of the ValueJet Captain and Pilot but questioned their sense of justice for not acting against Kwam 1. “What applies to the goose must also apply to the gander.”
Keyamo directed NCAA to place Kwam 1 on a no-fly list pending investigation.
“ALL AIRLINES, both domestic and International should IMMEDIATELY be informed of this directive and anyone who flouts this directive risk withdrawal of their operating licence.”
