The Federal Government has reaffirmed support for indigenous airlines as Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airlines officially moves closer to commencing operations after securing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, received the airline’s management team in Abuja on Wednesday following the successful certification of the carrier.

The delegation was led by Pioneer Airlines Group Managing Director, Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, who formally presented the airline’s AOC certificate to the Minister and thanked the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its agencies for supporting the certification process.

Capt. Ungbuku described the approval as a significant achievement for Bayelsa State and said the development demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous airlines.

He praised the Ministry for encouraging private and state-backed investment in the aviation sector and creating policies that support local operators.

During the meeting, the Pioneer Airlines boss also introduced members of the airline’s management team responsible for operations, commercial services, safety, engineering, business development, and human resources.

Speaking during the visit, Keyamo welcomed the airline’s entry into the market and said the growing involvement of state governments in aviation would help expand Nigeria’s domestic and regional air transport network.

The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government was developing a Nigerian Leasing Company to support local airlines with aircraft acquisition and reduce operational difficulties faced by indigenous carriers.

He explained that Pioneer Airlines could become one of the beneficiaries of the initiative when fully operational.

Keyamo further stressed that Nigeria has a large aviation market capable of supporting more local carriers, especially on regional routes currently dominated by foreign airlines.

According to him, stronger indigenous participation in the sector would improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The visit concluded with renewed commitments between the Ministry and Pioneer Airlines to work together towards expanding air transport opportunities and improving regional connectivity across the country.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has intensified efforts to reposition the country’s air cargo sector with a strategic engagement involving cargo agents and freight forwarders at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The meeting, organised by FAAN’s Directorate of Cargo Development and Services (DCDS), focused on plans for the proposed Cargo Village and the operational framework expected to drive a more efficient and globally competitive cargo system in Nigeria.

Held on May 12, 2026, the session brought together recognised agents’ associations operating across the cargo value chain under the theme: “Strategic Engagement Session on Cargo Village Development and Operational Framework.”

Representing the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas, the General Manager, Cargo, Mrs. Alao Mamman, said stronger collaboration among stakeholders remained critical to the successful delivery of the Cargo Village project.

According to her, the initiative is designed to improve operational efficiency, simplify cargo handling procedures, and align airport cargo operations with international best practices and global standards.

Also speaking during the engagement, the General Manager, Cargo Partnerships and Registration, Engr. Jay Etim, outlined major components of the project, including the development of the Aviacargo Village, creation of an integrated cargo logistics hub, and co-location of cargo stakeholders within a coordinated operational environment.

He added that the framework would also strengthen operational standards, improve access control systems, and ensure strict compliance with regulatory requirements while reinforcing the role of licensed cargo agents in the evolving aviation logistics ecosystem.

Stakeholders at the meeting were given the opportunity to contribute recommendations and operational insights aimed at ensuring the project reflects industry realities and promotes inclusiveness across the cargo sector.

FAAN said the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to create a more structured, secure, and efficient cargo environment capable of supporting trade growth and boosting Nigeria’s aviation logistics capacity.

The Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) has raised alarm over the alleged assault of a senior airport official by a Nigerian Air Force personnel at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, the union accused some armed personnel operating within Nigerian airports of repeated acts of violence against civilian workers, describing the latest incident as disturbing and unacceptable.

ANAP identified the victim as Mr. Ekene Enechukwu, Head of Operations at the airport and a Deputy General Manager with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The association said the incident happened on May 11 while the FAAN official was responding to an emergency call linked to a fire outbreak at the airport.

According to the union, the official’s hurried movement toward the emergency scene was allegedly misunderstood by an Air Force personnel stationed at the military checkpoint near the airport toll gate, leading to a physical confrontation during which the FAAN manager was reportedly assaulted and bloodied.

ANAP said the incident reflects a growing pattern of hostility toward civilian aviation workers, despite repeated calls for restraint and professionalism within airport environments.

The union stated that it would begin consultations on additional steps aimed at preventing future occurrences, stressing that attacks on airport workers must not be allowed to continue unchecked.

It also called on the Nigerian Air Force to issue an apology to the affected FAAN official and the airport authority, while demanding strict disciplinary action against the officer allegedly involved in the incident.

The association maintained that maintaining safety, mutual respect, and cooperation among all agencies operating at airports remains essential to efficient aviation operations in the country.