The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting indigenous airlines, as the Sokoto State government disclosed plans to float Caliphate Airlines.
Caliphate Airlines is a new commercial carrier backed by the Sokoto State government, reports The Nation.
The minister, in a statement by his Media Aide, Tunde Moshood, noted the support during a visit by a delegation from the state led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Aminu Dikko.
Others in the delegation 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.
The head of the delegation, Hon. Dikko, informed the mnister that the airline, which is structured as a limited liability company to provide domestic passenger and cargo services, will be officially commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on August 18, 2026.
He further noted that the visit was to formally thank the minister for his encouragement and strategic support throughout the airline’s development process.
He also sought the minister’s continued intervention to facilitate the timely issuance of the Airline Operator Certificate (AOC) to enable the airline to commence commercial operations as scheduled.
On the airline’s operational readiness, the Director of Operations, Capt. Oluwashina Agbelese, said the airline will begin operations with a fleet of five regional jets, comprising three Embraer ERJ-145LR aircraft and two Embraer 190-100 series aircraft.
He said 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 expand its domestic operations as demand grows.
Responding, the minister 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.
He 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.”
He said the successful launch of Caliphate Airlines would enhance connectivity in the North-West region and also contribute to the Federal Government’s agenda of strengthening domestic air transport, boosting economic activities and creating jobs.
