Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged African countries to move beyond rhetoric and take tangible steps toward implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship initiative aimed at boosting regional connectivity and integration.
Speaking at the 3-Day Plenary Session and Council of Ministers Meeting hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in Abuja on Monday, Keyamo lamented the slow progress on SAATM despite years of political declarations and expressions of intent.
“Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders, but by open opportunity,” he stated, stressing the need to dismantle barriers that have hindered regional air transport growth.
Keyamo also highlighted the importance of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) framework in strengthening aviation safety, security, and economic development across member states. He lauded milestones such as the transformation of COSCAP-BAG into BAGASOO (BAG Safety Oversight Organization) and the establishment of BAGAIA (BAG Accident Investigation Agency), which have enhanced regulatory compliance and regional collaboration.
“The time has come for us to institutionalize BAG,” he declared. “A structured BAG will serve as a beacon of excellence, guiding our aviation sector towards greater efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment, Keyamo emphasized the country’s dedication to the principles of cooperation, safety, and integration under the Banjul Accord framework.
Also speaking at the session, Director-General of Civil Aviation Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo, welcomed delegates and acknowledged the significant progress made by BAG states in regulatory harmonization and sustainable aviation.
Najomo recalled the swift establishment of BAGASOO and BAGAIA in 2009, praising the collective resolve of the seven BAG member states. “That the framework was finalized in less than five months was an astonishing feat and a testament to our unity,” he said.
He also pointed out that while much had been achieved, challenges such as infrastructure gaps, personnel shortages, and emerging safety concerns remain, and must be tackled collaboratively.
“This 18th plenary serves as an opportunity to not only reflect on our collective achievements but also renew our focus on the challenges ahead,” Najomo noted, calling for open dialogue and coordinated action.
The plenary brought together aviation leaders and stakeholders from across West Africa to chart the future of regional air transport under SAATM and BAG frameworks.
