BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has pledged the Federal Government’s full support for the successful take-off of Caliphate Airlines, a new indigenous carrier backed by the Sokoto State Government.
Keyamo made the commitment on Wednesday when he received a high-powered delegation from the Sokoto State Government and Caliphate Airlines in Abuja ahead of the airline’s planned commencement of commercial operations.
The delegation, led by the Chief of Staff to the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Haliru Dikko, included the Secretary to the State Government, Mohammad Bello Sifawa; Director of Operations, Caliphate Airlines, Capt. Oluwashina Agbelese; and Account Manager, Capt. Abdulkarim Abioye.
The visit was aimed at appreciating the minister for his support towards the establishment of the airline and seeking continued government assistance, particularly in facilitating the timely completion of the regulatory process for the issuance of the Airline Operator Certificate (AOC).
The airline is scheduled to be officially commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 18, 2026.
Speaking on behalf of Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, Dikko conveyed the governor’s appreciation to Keyamo for what he described as his unwavering support and encouragement towards the establishment of the new carrier.
He said Caliphate Airlines was incorporated as a limited liability company to provide domestic passenger and cargo services, with the state government positioning the airline as part of its efforts to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities.
Giving an update on the airline’s preparedness, Agbelese said Caliphate Airlines would commence operations with five regional jets comprising three Embraer ERJ-145LR aircraft and two Embraer 190-100 series aircraft.
He disclosed that two of the aircraft had already arrived in Nigeria, while the remaining three were expected to arrive ahead of the official launch.
According to him, the airline’s initial route network would link Sokoto, Abuja and Kano before gradually expanding to other domestic destinations as demand increases.
The planned launch comes as Nigeria continues to seek greater private-sector and indigenous investment in the aviation industry, with new airlines expected to improve connectivity, create jobs and provide additional capacity for passengers travelling between major cities.
Responding to the delegation, Keyamo commended the Sokoto State Government for investing in aviation, describing the sector as an important catalyst for economic development, regional integration and employment generation.
The minister assured the delegation that the Federal Government would continue to support credible investors in the aviation sector while ensuring that all operators meet the country’s safety and regulatory requirements.
“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 stated.
He said the emergence of Caliphate Airlines would strengthen air connectivity in the North-West and support the Federal Government’s broader efforts to expand domestic air transportation.
Keyamo added that a successful launch of the airline would contribute to increased economic activity, facilitate movement of people and goods and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.
The minister, however, stressed that government support for new airlines would remain anchored on strict adherence to aviation safety and regulatory standards.
The airline’s management is expected to continue working with the relevant aviation authorities to complete the certification process ahead of its proposed August 18 commissioning and subsequent commencement of commercial services.
With Sokoto, Abuja and Kano identified as its initial destinations, Caliphate Airlines is expected to provide another air transport option for passengers in the North-West while supporting stronger economic links between the region and Nigeria’s political and commercial centres.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
