ABUJA, Nigeria — May 20, 2025 | The Federal Government of Nigeria has renewed calls for the accelerated implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), urging African nations to move from commitments to coordinated action in realizing seamless intra-African air connectivity.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this appeal on Monday at the opening of the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) in Abuja.
“Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders, but by open opportunities,” said Keyamo, stressing the urgency of SAATM’s full operationalization to advance Africa’s economic integration under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
SAATM: Africa’s Aviation Integration Vision
SAATM, launched by the African Union in 2018, aims to create a single unified air transport market across the continent, reduce travel costs, and stimulate economic growth by removing restrictions on African airlines.
Keyamo acknowledged the political will shown by African leaders but criticized the slow pace of implementation, noting that fragmentation continues to hinder regional integration.
“Air connectivity enhances competitiveness of cities and nations. SAATM promises to reduce travel time and cost, increase trade, and improve mobility for goods and people,” he stated.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to BAG and Regional Aviation
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Banjul Accord Group, a sub-regional aviation body comprising seven West African countries working to harmonize aviation standards and oversight.
“Nigeria remains unwavering in its support of BAG’s ideals—cooperation, safety, and integration,” Keyamo noted.
He emphasized BAG’s role in enhancing aviation safety, regulatory alignment, and capacity building among member states, describing the forum as “a true model of African aviation solidarity.”
DGCA, Lawmakers Highlight Infrastructure and Workforce Challenges
Also speaking at the event, Captain Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), identified major challenges facing the region’s aviation sector:
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Infrastructure gaps
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Shortage of aviation professionals
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Emerging safety risks
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Need for digital transformation
“This session is an opportunity to not only reflect on our achievements but also to tackle the pressing issues head-on,” Najomo said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing BAG’s goals and aligning with ICAO’s ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative.
BAG Secretariat, Lawmakers Align on Regional Integration
Fansu Bojang, Director-General of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Head of the BAG Secretariat, emphasized that more collaboration is needed to unlock the full potential of the sub-region.
In a show of legislative support, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chair of the Senate Committee on Aviation, represented by Senator Augustine Akobundu, assured that the National Assembly is committed to harmonizing aviation regulations in West Africa.
“We support a unified West African aviation community that promotes safety, growth, and connectivity,” he said.
Outlook: From Political Will to Action
As the session continues, stakeholders are expected to deliberate on timelines, safety oversight improvements, and investment strategies to make SAATM a reality.
Keyamo concluded with a challenge to participants:
“Let us leave this meeting with a shared determination to elevate BAG into a driver of the African aviation renaissance.”