Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on African states to move beyond mere policy declarations and take concrete steps toward implementing the Single African Air Transport Market.

He announced this at the 3-Day Plenary Session, and the Council of Ministers Meeting, hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in Abuja on Monday.

According to Keyamo, “I want to highlight the urgent need to implement the Single African Air Transport Market, despite our strong political will and numerous declarations, progress has been slow, and fragmentation remains a barrier to our regional integration.”

“Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders, but by open opportunity,” he added.

Keyamo reiterated the significance of the BAG framework in advancing aviation standards and regional integration.

“Today’s gathering is a testament to our collective commitment to strengthening aviation safety, security, and economic development within our member states,” said Keyamo.

He highlighted milestones achieved by the group, including the transition of COSCAP-BAG into BAGASOO and the establishment of BAGAIA.

“It is heartwarming to state that through these organizations a lot has been achieved for the region, ensuring compliance with international best practices, and reinforcing regional collaboration.”

Keyamo called for the institutionalization of BAG to enable it to deliver on its long-term goals more effectively.

“The time has come for us to institutionalize BAG to transform it into a permanent and fully structured entity. A structured BAG will serve as a beacon of excellence, guiding our aviation sector towards greater efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness.”

In his closing remarks, Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to regional cooperation:

“I wish to reaffirm Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Banjul Accord Group and the ideals of cooperation, safety, and integration.”

Also speaking at the plenary session, the Director-General of Civil Aviation Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo emphasized Nigeria’s pride in hosting the meeting and acknowledged the collective efforts of BAG states to enhance safety, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable aviation.

“Your presence here reaffirms our shared commitment to advancing aviation safety, security, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable development across our region,” he noted.

Capt. Najomo reflected on the historical roots of the cooperation, recalling the establishment of key regional aviation institutions:

“We may recollect that fateful day on the 30th of June 2009, when the Ministers responsible for civil aviation in the seven BAG States signed the Agreement documents for the establishment of the BAGASOO and BAGAIA.”

He praised the swift establishment of these institutions as a testament to the region’s dedication:

“That the entire process of developing those framework documents took less than five months, was an astonishing feat in itself and spoke highly of the level of commitment shown by the BAG States.”

Looking to the future, Najomo addressed ongoing challenges and called for collaborative solutions.

“This 18th plenary serves as an opportunity to not only reflect on our collective achievements but also renew our focus on the challenges ahead, Challenges that stem from infrastructure gaps and personnel shortages to emerging safety risks and the imperative for digital transformation in aviation.”

He added that BAG continues to be “a beacon of sub-regional cooperation” and stressed the importance of unity.

“Let us use this platform to engage candidly, share experiences, and align our efforts in a spirit of unity and purpose.”