Samson Echenim 
The Nigerian government has called for the rapid implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) by African countries that have committed to the agreement.
This appeal was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), during the opening ceremony of the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) of States, which began on Monday in Abuja.
The three-day session, hosted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), brought together representatives from the seven BAG member states—Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone.
SAATM is a flagship initiative of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aimed at fostering seamless air connectivity across the continent. Minister Keyamo stressed the urgency of implementing SAATM, citing slow progress and ongoing fragmentation despite strong political will and numerous declarations.
“There is an urgent need to implement SAATM for the benefit of our sub-region and the entire African continent,” he said. “Air connectivity boosts the global competitiveness of cities, states, and regions. Africa must not be left behind.”
Keyamo emphasized that SAATM would improve intra-African connectivity, ease the movement of passengers and cargo, and lower travel costs—if fully and collectively implemented. He urged member states to go beyond verbal commitments and take deliberate actions to eliminate both physical and non-physical barriers to regional air travel.
“Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders but by open opportunities,” he declared.
The minister also praised the pivotal role of the Banjul Accord Group in advancing SAATM and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to BAG’s objectives of safety, cooperation, and regional integration.
“Let us leave this meeting with a shared resolve to elevate BAG as a model of African aviation solidarity,” he said.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
Keyamo noted that BAG has made significant strides in improving aviation safety, regulatory compliance, capacity building, and operational standards in the rregion.L
In his welcome address, Nigeria’s Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, highlighted the importance of the session in reviewing both progress and ongoing challenges. These include infrastructure deficits, personnel shortages, emerging safety risks, and the need for digital transformation in aviation.
He praised BAG’s efforts as a beacon of regional cooperation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in supporting the group’s vision.
“As we chart a bold path forward, we must keep our eyes on the prize—a safe, secure, and unified aviation sector in West Africa,” he said.
Fansu Bojang, Head of the BAG Secretariat and Director General of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, acknowledged the progress made by the group but stressed the need to overcome persistent challenges to unlock the region’s full potential.
“We have advanced the dreams of BAG’s founding fathers and lifted the industry from its previous state. Now we must address remaining obstacles,” he said.
Representing the Senate Committee Chairman on Aviation, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Senator Augustine Akobundu reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for BAG and regional aviation integration.
“Nigeria values regional cooperation in advancing aviation safety and development. We recognize BAG’s role in capacity building, setting shared standards, and providing technical assistance,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for policy harmonization and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening aviation safety regulations, enhancing oversight, and supporting infrastructure and cooperation across West Africa.
