The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting indigenous airlines as he received a high-powered delegation from the Sokoto State Government ahead of the commencement of operations by Caliphate Airlines, a new commercial carrier backed by the State.
According a statement signed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser On Media and Communications to the Minister, Keyamo gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to him by a delegation was led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Aminu Haliru Dikko, mni, and included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Mohammad Bello Sifawa, the Director of Operations of Caliphate Airlines, Capt. Oluwashina Agbelese, and the Account Manager, Capt. Abdulkarim Abioye.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, the leader of the delegation conveyed the warm greetings and appreciation of the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, to the Honourable Minister for his unwavering support towards the establishment of Caliphate Airlines.
He informed the Minister that the airline, which is structured as a limited liability company to provide domestic passenger and cargo services, is scheduled to be officially commissioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on August 18, 2026.
The delegation noted that the visit was to formally appreciate the Minister for his encouragement and strategic support throughout the airline’s development process, while also seeking his continued intervention in facilitating the timely issuance of the Airline Operator Certificate (AOC) to enable the airline commence commercial operations as scheduled.
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Providing an update on the airline’s operational readiness, the Director of Operations, Capt. Oluwashina Agbelese, disclosed that Caliphate Airlines will begin operations with a fleet of five regional jets, comprising three Embraer ERJ-145LR aircraft and two Embraer 190-100 series aircraft. He revealed that two of the aircraft are already in Nigeria, while the remaining aircraft are expected to arrive ahead of the official launch.
According to him, the airline’s initial route network will connect Sokoto, Abuja and Kano, with plans to progressively expand its domestic operations as demand grows.
Responding, the Honourable Minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN, welcomed the delegation and commended the Sokoto State Government for its vision in investing in the aviation sector as a catalyst for economic development, regional connectivity and job creation.
The Minister assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s continued support for genuine investors in Nigeria’s aviation industry, stressing that every necessary effort would be made to ensure that regulatory processes are concluded professionally and without unnecessary delays.
“I will do everything within my capacity to support this initiative and ensure that any impediments capable of delaying the commencement of operations are addressed promptly, while, of course, maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance,” the Minister stated.
He further noted that the successful launch of Caliphate Airlines would not only enhance connectivity in the North-West region but also contribute significantly to the Federal Government’s agenda of strengthening domestic air transport, boosting economic activities and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.
