The Nigerian federal government has emphasized the urgent need to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), citing its potential to significantly lower airfares and boost connectivity across the continent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) in Abuja, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, urged African nations that have signed the SAATM agreement to accelerate its execution. He highlighted that improved air connectivity enhances global competitiveness for cities and regions and is essential for Africa’s growth.
“Despite our strong political will and declarations, progress has been slow. Fragmentation still hinders regional integration,” Keyamo stated. He stressed that SAATM would ease passenger and cargo movement, reduce travel times, and offer competitive pricing, all of which demand collective commitment to tackle non-physical barriers such as high travel costs.
Also addressing the gathering, Nigeria’s Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the session was an opportunity to assess achievements and recommit to tackling challenges like infrastructure deficits, personnel shortages, safety concerns, and the need for digital transformation in aviation.
Najomo reiterated Nigeria’s leadership role in BAG and its dedication to advancing a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible air transport system aligned with ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative.
GCAA Director-General and BAG Secretariat head, Fansu Bojang, also stressed the need for further action to harness the region’s aviation potential.
The Nigerian Senate Committee on Aviation, represented by Senator Augustine Akobundu, reaffirmed legislative support for BAG’s goals and a harmonized West African aviation framework.
The three-day event, hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), brought together aviation officials from BAG’s seven member states: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea, The Gambia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone.
SAATM is a flagship initiative under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aiming to unlock the continent’s full potential through seamless air connectivity.
