I’ll fire you for non performance, before Tinubu sacks me, Keyamo warns aviation MDA administrators
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, have warned some chief executives of aviation agencies to perform or face dismissal.
He said this on Saturday while reading out the riot act to some heads of the aviation agencies in Lagos.
He made the remarks in response to the recent signing of performance commitments, he and other ministers are required to commit to reaching particular goals in each area of the economy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The performance bond was signed on Friday, at the end of President Tinubu’s three-day cabinet retreat at the State House banquet hall in Abuja.
Speaking to some of the heads of aviation agencies, Minister Keyamo stated that he had a duty to perform because he and other ministers in President Tinubu’s administration had signed a performance bond.
He also sought the support of stakeholders in the industry in order to protect his job.
He said, “We had a three-day retreat with Mr. President, all the Ministers. At the end of the day, we signed a performance bond. I also signed my performance bond yesterday. So, if you don’t want me to get sacked in the next few months, you need to support me.”
In an address to the aviation agency CEOs present, he stated, “On this side, it’s either me or they get fired. It is therefore a race to see who can survive. I’ve informed all of my CEOs that even though someone has to die first, I’ll take care of you before I pass away.”
The retreat’s objective, according to Keyamo, was “to receive inputs from you as technocrats and players in the industry.”
“Your suggestions will enhance the industry’s priority area and road plan, which will be prioritised to meet the goals of all aviation stakeholders and make Nigerians and the aviation sector world-class. Instead of blaming certain games, we should concentrate on fixing issues across the industry.
“As you are aware, Mr. President has unveiled his economic plan. The three-year economic revival plan that emerged from his inaugural Federal Executive Council meeting is anchored in an Eight-Point focus area targeted at addressing Nigeria’s socio economic challenges.
“It seeks to move away from the frenzied borrowing of the last government, check the unacceptably high jobless rate, achieve economic growth, prosperity for all, and end poverty.
“This, we as an industry, will factor into our own focus areas for the development of the industry and in turn the economic development of our Nation.”
He highlighted activities under his Ministry since his appointment.
He said, “You will recall that following my appointment by Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I had gone on inspection of the Nigeria Airports i.e Lagos and Abuja. I set up a task-force for the relocation of foreign airlines from the old international terminal to the new terminal following the state of disrepair of the old terminal which does not speak well about Nigeria as a people.
“The task force has since submitted their report. We are looking at their recommendations for possible action.
“We will overhaul this terminal to further boost the revenue drive of our airports.
“I equally, formally received the land for the construction of the 2nd runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from the Jiwa Community.
“This is a historic event and dream come through, which Nigerians have looked up to for the past two decades. You can be rest assured that the benefits of the second runway will provide substantial economic advantage to the Nation.
“I have also received briefs from some of the Agencies under the Ministry and the Unions in the Aviation Industry.
“I have taken note of the concerns raised. After this engagement we shall have a management retreat where we will further distil your inputs as stakeholders to move the Aviation Industry forward.”
