How Air Peace's Dry Lease Boeing 737-NG will benefit Nigeria - Minister

Nigeria’s carrier, Air Peace, has celebrated the arrival of its landmark dry-lease Boeing 737-NG.

The arrival resulted from a partnership between Air Peace and AerCap, a leading aircraft leasing company.

The arrival is a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation capacity and global competitiveness after almost 20 years.

The aircraft was unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo at the General Aviation Terminal one on Friday in Lagos.

At the event, Keyamo described the development as historic for Nigeria’s aviation industry.

He said that it showed the confidence of global partners in the nation’s air transport sector and private operators such as Air Peace.

“This partnership between Air Peace and AerCap is a testament to the credibility and operational excellence our local carriers are gradually building.

“It shows that Nigerian airlines can attract the confidence of world-class institutions in the global aviation value chain,” Keyamo said.

He added that the ministry remained committed to supporting Nigerian airlines through improved regulatory frameworks, bilateral air services agreements and targeted fiscal incentives to ensure sustainability in aviation business.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the development as a ‘bold leap’ in Nigeria’s aviation story.

He said that the dry-lease partnership with AerCap would allow Air Peace to maintain ownership and operational control of its aircraft while benefitting from AerCap’s technical expertise and fleet management support.

“This is not just about fleet expansion; it is about positioning Nigeria to compete globally.

"We are proud to be partnering with AerCap, the world’s leading aircraft lessor, in a deal that signals trust, transparency and long-term vision,” Onyema said.

He said that the partnership would also help Air Peace to optimise routes, enhance maintenance standards, and improve passenger experience, especially across the airline’s growing intercontinental network.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc., which facilitated aspects of the financing structure, commended Air Peace for prudence and governance culture.

She was represented by the bank’s Executive Director, Risk Management, Kevin Ugwuoke.

The managing director said that Nigerian banks were ready to support credible indigenous players scaling into the global market.

“This transaction demonstrates that when Nigerian businesses adopt international best practices, funding and partnership opportunities will naturally follow.

“Fidelity Bank is proud to have played a supporting role in enabling this milestone for Air Peace,” she said.

The Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, described the collaboration as a bridge of trust between Nigeria and Ireland, given AerCap’s Irish origin and global leadership in aircraft leasing.

“Ireland is home to the world’s aircraft leasing industry, and today, we celebrate Nigeria joining that ecosystem in a meaningful way.

“This partnership will open doors for deeper technical and educational exchanges in aviation management and finance,” the ambassador said.

In his remarks, AerCap’s Vice President, Leasing, Gas Wavomba, praised Air Peace’s operational record and commitment to compliance.

He said that AerCap’s decision to collaborate with the airline followed extensive due diligence and confidence in its leadership.

“Our collaboration with Air Peace reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and the growing opportunities on the African continent.

“We are delighted to work with a carrier that shares our vision for safety, reliability and customer satisfaction,” he said.

The event was attended by officials of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, other industry stakeholders and members of the diplomatic community.

The Air Peace/AerCap partnership is coming at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to attract foreign investment into the aviation sector and strengthen local capacity through public/private partnerships.

With the partnership, Air Peace is expected to expand its international footprint.

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FG approves Biometric Checks across Nigerian Airports

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a series of key aviation projects, including the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport and the introduction of biometric verification systems across Nigerian airports.

‎‎Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

‎‎Keyamo said eight memos from his ministry were considered and approved, covering airport management, infrastructure, safety, and modernisation initiatives.

‎‎He said one of the approvals was for contracts to provide maintenance and support services for airport management solutions at Nigeria’s five international airports — Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.

‎‎“These are firms that have been maintaining our airport management systems effectively over the years, and the Council approved their continued engagement,” he said.

‎‎The minister also announced the procurement and installation of advanced tertiary power systems and 14 VHF remote stations by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to improve navigational safety.

‎‎“We also got approval to purchase 15 airport rescue and firefighting vehicles to meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards at our international airports,” Keyamo said.

‎He further disclosed that the Council approved the exclusion of all Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) residential and operational properties within and around airport premises from sale to private individuals.

‎‎“Properties within airport security and safety zones are now officially excluded from disposal. Those who claimed to have bought such properties should take note, we will not concede them,” the minister stated.

‎On infrastructure, Keyamo said approval was granted for the construction of a permanent headquarters for NAMA in Abuja, following the agency’s relocation from Lagos.

‎‎“NAMA currently operates from rented facilities, which poses security risks. We will now have a permanent and purpose-built headquarters in Abuja,” he said.

‎He added that FEC approved the full business case for the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport to private investors, noting increased investor interest since the Tinubu administration took office.

‎‎“In the past, no major investor showed interest in Port Harcourt Airport. Now, over six credible firms are competing for it. This shows growing confidence in the Nigerian economy,” Keyamo said.

‎‎He assured aviation workers that no jobs would be lost under the new concession arrangement.

‎‎“We will engage the unions fully. No worker will lose their job as a result of the concession process. The goal is efficiency, not retrenchment,” he emphasised.

‎‎Keyamo also said the Council approved the concession of biometric verification systems at all airports to enhance passenger identification and security.

‎‎“The system will link passengers’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) to airport databases to verify their identities during travel. It’s part of our ICAO-aligned safety reforms,” he said.

‎‎He further disclosed plans to upgrade airport lighting systems to extend night operations and boost airline productivity.

‎‎“Some airports close by 6.00 p.m. due to poor lighting. We’re installing new airfield lighting systems to enable night flights and improve revenue for local carriers,” the minister said.

‎‎Keyamo reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and making the sector globally competitive. 

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Trump's Threat: We're not in Panic Mode, says FG

The Federal Government says it will not slide into panic mode but will continue to work assiduously with local and international partners to end terrorism and insecurity in the country.

‎‎Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

‎He said the government is responding responsibly and diplomatically to the recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” by the United States.

‎“We don’t want to escalate the rhetoric — you have said, we have said, and all that. The responsibility that we have as a government is to ensure that whatever genuine concerns there are to keep our citizens safe, the Nigerian government will continue to do so,” Idris said.

‎“But there is no panic mode here. We are responding responsibly, steadily, and in the interest of our country, also taking into account the concerns both from within and outside this country about what the situation is.

“Let me say for the umpteenth time, Nigeria is a country that has tolerance for religion,” the Minister added.‎

‎He said Nigeria remains committed to ensuring religious freedom and the safety of all citizens.

‎“The killing of even one Nigerian citizen is of concern to the government of Nigeria. Our Constitution guarantees the right of everyone to worship his or her religion without hindrance, and government remains committed to protecting that right,” he said.

‎Idris stressed that the government remains calm, focused, and stable in its approach to national security.

‎“The President is calm. The Federal Executive Council members are calm. There is no panic mode here. We are responding responsibly, steadily, and in the interest of our country,”

‎The minister said Nigeria will continue to collaborate with international and regional partners, noting that diplomatic channels have been opened with the U.S.‎

‎“The issues of terrorism and violent extremism are not limited to one country.

“We have porous borders, which is why we maintain cooperation with our regional and international partners, including the United States.

“Channels have been opened, and we prefer that this situation be resolved diplomatically,” he said.‎

‎Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens while preserving Nigeria’s dignity and sovereignty in international relations.

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