The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting indigenous airlines as the Sokoto State Government moves forward with plans to launch Caliphate Airlines.
Caliphate Airlines, a state backed commercial carrier, is being established to provide domestic passenger and cargo services.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo reaffirmed the government’s support during a meeting with a Sokoto State delegation led by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Aminu Dikko.
The delegation also included the Secretary to the State Government, Mohammad Sifawa, the airline’s Director of Operations, Capt. Oluwashina Agbelese, and Account Manager, Capt. Abdulkarim Abioye.
During the visit, Dikko revealed that Caliphate Airlines, incorporated as a limited liability company, is scheduled for official inauguration by President Bola Tinubu on August 18, 2026.
He said the delegation’s visit was to express appreciation to the Minister for his guidance and support throughout the airline’s development and to seek his continued assistance in ensuring the prompt issuance of the Airline Operator Certificate (AOC), which is required for the airline to begin commercial operations on schedule.
Providing an update on the airline’s preparedness, Agbelese disclosed that operations will commence with five regional aircraft—three Embraer ERJ-145LR jets and two Embraer 190-100 series aircraft.
The initial routes will connect Sokoto, Abuja and Kano, with plans to gradually expand services to other destinations across the country.
In his response, Keyamo praised the Sokoto State Government for investing in aviation as a driver of economic growth, regional integration and employment opportunities.
He assured the delegation that the Federal Government would continue to support credible investors in the aviation sector and pledged to ensure that all regulatory procedures are completed efficiently without compromising safety standards or compliance requirements.
The Minister stated that he would do everything within his authority to remove avoidable obstacles that could delay the airline’s launch while maintaining strict adherence to aviation regulations.
He added that the successful takeoff of Caliphate Airlines would improve air connectivity across Nigeria’s North West region and contribute to the Federal Government’s broader goals of strengthening domestic aviation, stimulating economic activity and creating jobs.
