Keyamo lauds private carriers as United Nigeria unveils two Boeing 737s

Abdullateef Fowewe

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo has joined United Nigeria Airlines to unveil two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja.

Keyamo in a statement on Friday said the federal government will continue to back private aviation operators to grow the sector.

“I joined Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of AIRPEACE and other distinguished personalities at the United Nigeria Airlines’ unveiling of two Boeing 737-800NG named in honour of HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe and Professor Chinua Achebe,” said Keyamo.

The minister recalled that the acquisition process began in 2024 during a government-led visit to Boeing’s Seattle facility, which he organised.

“The deal to get in these aircraft started in 2024 in the US, when I led Nigerian operators to Boeing in Seattle, Washington. All credit to Professor Obiora Okonkwo who tenaciously followed it through and passed all the tests of due diligence conducted to conclude the deal,” Keyamo added.

Keyamo emphasised the administration’s policy stance, “Our focus as a government is to assist private operators and businesses grow by formulating the right policies to assist them.”

United Nigeria’s chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, completed the purchase after what organisers described as rigorous due diligence.

The two jets were christened in honour of Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe and the late literary giant Professor Chinua Achebe, reflecting the carrier’s blend of cultural recognition and commercial expansion.

Also present at the ceremony were Abia Governor Alex Otti and Air Peace chairman Allen Onyema, among other aviation and civic leaders.