The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on African states that have endorsed the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to expedite its implementation, citing its potential to unlock seamless intra-African air connectivity and economic growth.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), made the call on Monday during the opening ceremony of the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) of States in Abuja.
The three-day event, which also includes the BAG Council of Ministers Meeting, is hosted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and features participation from all seven BAG member states: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea-Conakry, The Gambia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone.
“SAATM represents the vision of achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and unlocking the immense potential of seamless air connectivity across our continent,” Keyamo said.
“I want to highlight the urgent need to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) for the benefit of our sub-region and the entire African continent,” he added.
He described the call as critical, noting that despite widespread political support and multiple declarations, progress has remained sluggish. He warned that fragmentation continues to hinder meaningful regional integration.
“Air connectivity is an asset that improves the global competitiveness of cities, states, and regions; thus, Africa cannot be left behind,” the Minister stated.
He stressed that SAATM would help facilitate smoother movement of passengers and cargo across Africa at more competitive prices. However, he emphasised the importance of addressing both physical and non-physical barriers.
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“It is believed that SAATM will enhance intra-African connections and make the movement of passengers and cargo smooth with minimum transit points at competitive prices. Achieving these requires our collective resolve not only to implement SAATM but also to make conscious efforts to address the issues of non-physical barriers, including the high cost of travel within the region,” he said.
Keyamo urged member states to “Move beyond commitments and take coordinated, deliberate steps toward making SAATM a living reality. Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders but by open opportunities.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to the BAG, acknowledging its critical role in achieving SAATM goals and promoting regional aviation cooperation.
“Let us leave this meeting with a shared determination to elevate BAG into a true model of African aviation solidarity,” he said.
The Minister noted that through BAG, much progress had already been made in the region, including improved aviation safety, regulatory oversight, and alignment with international best practices. He also highlighted regional collaboration in capacity-building and operational efficiency.
Delivering the welcome address, Director-General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, said the 18th Plenary offered a moment to reflect on both collective progress and ongoing challenges facing the sub-region.
He cited infrastructure gaps, workforce shortages, emerging safety concerns, and the pressing need for digital transformation as key issues.
Captain Najomo commended the role of BAG in fostering sub-regional cooperation, stating, “It is inspiring to witness the progress we have made together in ensuring a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible air transport sector in line with the ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative by ICAO.”
He assured that “Nigeria, being a driving force in the sub-regional group, remains steadfast in its fervent support for the laudable objectives of BAG and is committed to playing an active and constructive role in seeing to the realisation of such air transport sector in West Africa and beyond.”
“While we chart a bold path forward for BAG in particular, and African and global aviation in general, let us keep our eyes on the prize – a safe, secure, and unified aviation sector in West Africa,” he concluded.
Also speaking, the Head of the BAG Secretariat and Director General of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Fansu Bojang, acknowledged past progress but called for renewed efforts to overcome persistent challenges.
“As a group, we have furthered the dreams of the founding fathers of BAG and through the process pulled the industry out of the abyss we once found ourselves in and placed it on the pedestal,” he said.
Senate Committee Chairman on Aviation, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, represented by Senator Augustine Akobundu, reaffirmed legislative support for the BAG’s objectives.
“Nigeria recognises the importance of regional cooperation in advancing aviation safety, security, and development. We acknowledge the role of BAG in promoting capacity building, shared standards, and technical assistance among member states,” he said.
He further called for harmonised aviation policies, expressing the National Assembly’s commitment to improved regulatory frameworks, safety oversight, infrastructure development, and regional collaboration.
