By Ijaduola Micheal, Abuja

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that the pilot and crew of the private aircraft that landed on a roadway in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) as investigations into the incident continue.

Keyamo stated that the outcome of the investigation would be presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu upon completion.

The minister made the disclosure on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, where he also addressed concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s airspace, plans for airport concessions, and a proposed superhighway project in Lagos.

Speaking on the controversial landing of the private jet, Keyamo described the incident as a serious security breach that is being treated with utmost priority by relevant authorities.

“As I speak, it is being treated as a security breach. The pilot and crew are still in DSS custody undergoing intensive interrogation and investigation,” he said.

Addressing concerns over aviation safety, the minister maintained that Nigeria’s airspace remains one of the safest in its history, despite a few isolated incidents.

He noted that the country recently achieved its highest-ever score in audits conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), recording a safety and oversight rating of 91.4 per cent under the current administration.

“When you compare the volume of air traffic in Nigeria with the few incidents recorded, you will realise that these cases account for less than one per cent of operations and did not result in fatalities. This demonstrates that our airspace remains very safe,” Keyamo said.

The minister further revealed that the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government are collaborating on a major infrastructure project that will ease traffic around the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

According to him, the proposed superhighway will serve as an alternative route for commuters travelling from the Iyana Ipaja axis, running behind the airport and linking up with the Mafoluku area.

He explained that the project would be executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and would open up previously inaccessible areas behind the airport.

“Lagos State has a massive development plan. A new superhighway will run behind the airport and connect to Mafoluku. The project will transform that corridor and improve access across a significant part of Lagos,” he stated.

On the issue of airline indebtedness, Keyamo said the Federal Government’s debt-relief measures were already yielding results, with several domestic carriers beginning to reduce their outstanding obligations.

He disclosed that one airline alone owes government agencies as much as ₦14 billion, stressing that aviation infrastructure and services require substantial funding to maintain safe operations.

“We understand the challenges faced by domestic airlines, but government agencies also need revenue to function effectively. Airports, navigation services, power supply, runways and other facilities are expensive to maintain,” he said.

The minister added that after engaging airline operators and encouraging structured repayment plans, many carriers had already settled about 10 per cent of their outstanding debts within the last few weeks.

He expressed optimism that continued cooperation between the government and airline operators would strengthen the aviation sector while ensuring the sustainability of critical aviation infrastructure across the country.