National Assembly Warns Aviation Minister Over Ignored Invitations, Threatens Further Action

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The National Assembly has issued a stern warning to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over the continued refusal of the Ministry’s agencies to honor legislative invitations.

The warning came during a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation, convened to review the Ministry’s 2025 budget proposal.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator AbdulFatai Buhari (Oyo North), expressed deep displeasure over the Ministry’s lack of cooperation, calling it a blatant disregard for the legislature.

“It is unacceptable for a government agency to ignore invitations from lawmakers, who represent the people. Whenever we call, your agencies should respond promptly,” Senator Buhari stated.

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This rebuke follows a motion Senator Buhari presented on December 4, 2024, highlighting growing concerns over frequent flight delays and cancellations by airline operators nationwide. He described the situation as alarming, emphasizing that air travel is crucial for business and time-sensitive engagements. “Unwarranted flight delays and cancellations are counterproductive to socio-economic growth,” he lamented.

Adding to the tension, the committee rejected the Ministry’s ₦71.1 billion budget proposal, citing insufficient documentation on ongoing projects. Lawmakers directed the Minister to submit comprehensive project details by next week, warning that continued lack of transparency and responsiveness could strain relations between the Ministry and the National Assembly.

Senator Buhari urged Minister Keyamo to improve communication between the Ministry and the legislature, stressing that ignoring invitations is both disrespectful and detrimental to public interest.

“Let this serve as a wake-up call before it escalates into a bigger issue,” he Cautioned.

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