From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Nigeria is advocating for the rapid implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) among signatory African nations.
Speaking at the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) in Abuja on Monday, May 19, Minister of Aviation Festus 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.”
Hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the three-day event included BAG members: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea-Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone.
Keyamo noted, “Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders, but by open opportunities,” urging coordinated action to overcome slow progress and non-physical barriers like high travel costs.
NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo highlighted challenges, including infrastructure gaps and safety risks, while affirming Nigeria’s commitment to BAG’s goals. “Nigeria remains steadfast in its fervent support for the laudable objectives of BAG,” he said.
BAG Secretariat Head Fansu Bojang and Senate Aviation Committee representative Sen. Augustine Akobundu also endorsed regional cooperation for a unified aviation sector.
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