Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his recent comments on economic hardship and insecurity in Nigeria, accusing him of hypocrisy and challenging his record in government.
Keyamo’s reaction followed a message shared by Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, in which he expressed concern over the rising cost of living, insecurity and the financial difficulties facing Nigerian households.
In his message, Atiku said many parents were struggling to provide food for their children, while pensioners were being forced to choose between buying food and purchasing medicines. He also highlighted the challenges facing young Nigerians, including rising transport fares, rent and other essential expenses.
The former vice-president further expressed concern over kidnappings and attacks across the country, urging registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and use their votes to demand change.
“No family should have to face hunger and insecurity at the same time,” Atiku said.
He added that, if elected, he would work to make life more affordable and restore security across the country.
“Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves,” he stated.
Keyamo Questions Atiku’s Record on Nigeria Airways
Responding to Atiku’s remarks, Keyamo focused on the liquidation of the defunct Nigeria Airways in September 2004, when Atiku was vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In a strongly worded response, the aviation minister accused Atiku of failing to address the consequences of the airline’s liquidation, particularly the plight of former workers who, according to him, were left without their pensions and gratuities.
“Your Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, this is hypocrisy at its peak! Let me just talk only about the sector that I head, Aviation,” Keyamo wrote.
He alleged that the liquidation left thousands of Nigerians unemployed and caused prolonged financial hardship for former employees and their families.
Keyamo also claimed that billions of naira in pensions and gratuities remained unpaid following the airline’s closure.
Tinubu Approves N36 Billion for Former Workers, Keyamo Says
The minister said President Bola Tinubu had approved and released N36 billion to address outstanding payments owed to former Nigeria Airways workers.
According to Keyamo, the funds were approved more than a month ago, with beneficiaries already beginning to receive payment notifications.
He added that the workers’ union had recently recognised Tinubu for the intervention.
Keyamo argued that the current administration was addressing the outstanding issues left behind by previous governments, questioning Atiku’s criticism of the president over the state of the economy.
Minister Accuses Atiku of Political Inconsistency
Keyamo further accused Atiku of taking inconsistent positions on the record of the Obasanjo administration, depending on whether its achievements or shortcomings were being discussed.
He argued that Atiku could not distance himself from the administration’s decisions when facing criticism while claiming credit for its accomplishments.
The minister also dismissed Atiku’s campaign message as an attempt to appeal to voters without adequately addressing questions about his own record in government.
Atiku has not been quoted in the information provided as responding to Keyamo’s latest allegations.
The exchange highlights the growing political contest over Nigeria’s economic challenges, public accountability and the records of political leaders as the country’s political debate intensifies.
My fellow Nigerians, young and old, I know the pain you are carrying.
Parents go to bed worried about what they will feed their children tomorrow. Pensioners must choose between buying medicine and buying food. Young people work hard, yet transport, rent and basic needs consume what they earn. And across the country, families live with the fear of kidnapping, attacks and whether their loved ones will return home safely.
No family should have to face hunger and insecurity at the same time. We cannot allow this hardship and fear to become the future our children inherit.
If you are a registered voter, please go and collect your PVC. Hold on to it. It is your voice, your choice and your peaceful power to demand change.
Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves. Let us stand together, across generations, and vote for a Nigeria where every family can live with dignity, safety and hope. -AA
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) October 14, 2026
