The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been named Grand Patron of the Renewed Hope Aviation Support Group (RHASG).
The appointment was formally presented in Abuja when a high-powered delegation of the Joint Aviation Trade Union Forum (JATUF), led by its Chairman, Comrade Ben Nnabue, visited the minister.
The delegation included leaders of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), and Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), all affiliates of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
Also on the delegation were Comrade John Ogbe, Vice Chairman; Comrade Alale Adedayo, Vice Chairman; Group Captain Bunmi Gandeh, Vice Chairman; and Comrade Hector Nnadi, Secretary of the Forum.
The main purpose of the visit was to present the ITF position paper to the minister and seek Nigeria’s support for a motion on social sustainability, decent work and meaningful workers’ engagement in global civil aviation.
The motion will be considered at the Seventh Worldwide Air Transport Conference (ATConf7) of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), holding in Montreal, Canada, from November 16 to 20, 2026.
The paper, which has received Nigeria’s nod, argues that the sustainability and long-term success of civil aviation go beyond infrastructure, technology and economic growth. It must also cover the welfare, rights and professional development of the workforce that sustains the industry.
The unions said the future of international aviation must balance economic competitiveness with social responsibility, with workers recognised as indispensable stakeholders in the growth, safety and efficiency of the sector.
Keyamo’s reception of the paper, they said, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to constructive engagement with organised labour and to policies that strengthen aviation while protecting workers.
The delegation also formally invited Keyamo to serve as Grand Patron of the RHASG, under the umbrella of the Strategic Collaboration for the Re-Election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The nomination was made on behalf of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council and entire membership of the group, in recognition of the minister’s leadership, professional competence and capacity for strategic coordination.
The group also congratulated him on his recent appointment as Director of the Directorate of Air Transport Mobilisation for the APC re-election campaign, describing it as a testament to the confidence reposed in his leadership, organisational experience and commitment to effective mobilisation.
According to the group, his experience in managing complex responsibilities and his strategic understanding of aviation position him to provide political leadership, guidance and direction to the organisation.
The Grand Patron appointment is expected to strengthen the group’s strategic direction and consolidate support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his re-election bid.
The visit underscored the growing intersection between organised aviation labour, industry stakeholders and broader
national development objectives.