Festus Keyamo Appointed Chairman of Banjul Accord Group Council of Ministers
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), a coalition of seven West African nations dedicated to advancing civil aviation in the region. This prestigious appointment, announced during the fourth meeting of the BAG Council of Ministers in Abuja, underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping the future of aviation across Africa and beyond.
Keyamo’s Leadership and Reforms
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lauded Keyamo’s appointment, describing it as a recognition of his “exceptional leadership” and “bold reforms” that have revitalized Nigeria’s aviation sector. Since assuming office, Keyamo has spearheaded significant policy changes, including:
- Strengthening regulatory frameworks for leased aircraft insurance.
- Enhancing Nigeria’s engagement with international aviation bodies, such as the Aviation Working Group.
- Advocating for the implementation of the Cape Town Convention, which has improved Nigeria’s standing in global aviation circles.
These reforms have boosted investor confidence,
improved aircraft financing options, and created a more favorable
operating environment for local airlines. Notable achievements under
Keyamo’s tenure include the launch of Air Peace’s direct
Lagos-to-London route and Nigeria’s active participation
in the Aviation Finance Conference in
Dublin, both of which have elevated Nigeria’s presence on
the global aviation stage
Impact on Regional Aviation
As
Chairman of the BAG Council of Ministers, Keyamo is expected to lead
efforts to harmonize aviation policies, improve air transport safety,
and foster regional cooperation. The BAG, comprising Nigeria, Cabo
Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, was
established to promote safe, efficient, and sustainable civil aviation
systems in West Africa, in alignment with International
Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards
Keyamo’s
leadership is anticipated to bring renewed momentum to the BAG’s
mission, with a focus on addressing shared challenges such as
infrastructure development, capacity building, and enhancing
intra-regional air connectivity. His appointment is seen as a
significant step toward advancing sustainable aviation development
across the sub-region
Recognition of Nigeria’s Aviation Growth
The AON has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership, noting that Keyamo’s appointment reflects the government’s commitment to competent and transformative leadership in critical sectors. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s aviation sector is experiencing a “golden era” of policy clarity, institutional reforms, and global relevance not seen in over two decades
Looking Ahead
Keyamo’s appointment as Chairman of the BAG Council of Ministers marks a pivotal moment for West African aviation. His leadership is expected to drive stronger regional cooperation, harmonize aviation regulations, and implement key initiatives that will enhance air transport safety, efficiency, and connectivity across the sub-region. For Nigeria, this appointment further solidifies its position as a leader in African aviation and a key player on the global stage.
Congratulations to Festus Keyamo on this well-deserved recognition. The skies of West Africa are indeed brighter with his leadership!
