File: Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo

The Federal Government has pledged its support for the successful take-off of Caliphate Airlines, the Sokoto State-backed commercial carrier expected to commence operations later this year.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the Sokoto State Government at his office in Abuja.

The assurance was contained in a statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.

The delegation, led by the Chief of Staff to the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Dikko, included the Secretary to the State Government, Mohammad Sifawa; Director of Operations of Caliphate Airlines, Oluwashina Agbelese; and the airline’s Account Manager, Abdulkarim Abioye.

During the meeting, the delegation conveyed the appreciation of the Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, to the minister for what it described as his unwavering support and encouragement towards the establishment of the airline.

The delegation also informed Keyamo that Caliphate Airlines, incorporated as a limited liability company to provide domestic passenger and cargo services, is scheduled to be officially inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on August 18, 2026.

Beyond expressing gratitude, the state officials appealed for the minister’s continued intervention to ensure the timely issuance of the Airline Operator Certificate, a key regulatory requirement needed for the airline to commence commercial operations as planned.

Giving an update on the airline’s readiness, the Director of Operations disclosed that the carrier would begin operations with a fleet of five Embraer regional jets.

According to him, the fleet consists of three Embraer ERJ-145LR aircraft and two Embraer 190-100 series aircraft. He added that two of the aircraft are already in Nigeria, while the remaining three are expected to arrive before the official launch.

He said the airline would initially operate flights linking Sokoto, Abuja and Kano, with plans to gradually expand its domestic network as passenger demand grows.

Responding, Keyamo commended the Sokoto State Government for venturing into the aviation sector, describing the investment as one capable of stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and improving regional connectivity.

The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting credible indigenous airlines while stressing that safety and regulatory compliance would remain non-negotiable.

“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,” Keyamo said.

He added that agencies under the aviation ministry would continue to work professionally to conclude all necessary regulatory processes without unnecessary delays.

According to him, the emergence of Caliphate Airlines aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda of strengthening Nigeria’s domestic aviation industry and encouraging greater private sector participation.

He said, “The successful launch of Caliphate Airlines will not only enhance connectivity across the North-West but will also contribute significantly to our efforts to strengthen domestic air transport, stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.”