The Banjul Accord Group (BAG), a coalition of seven West African nations dedicated to advancing civil aviation safety and sustainability, convened its fourth Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. This gathering marked a significant step forward for regional cooperation in air transport, culminating in the appointment of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as the Council’s new Chairman. Keyamo’s selection underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the West African aviation landscape and signals a commitment to collaborative efforts in enhancing the region’s air transport sector. The meeting, attended by transport and aviation ministers from Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, facilitated high-level discussions on pressing issues facing the industry.
Keyamo’s appointment to this pivotal role is expected to usher in a period of revitalized cooperation and progress within the BAG. His leadership will be instrumental in steering the Council’s strategic direction, focusing on harmonizing aviation policies across member states, implementing key initiatives to bolster air transport safety and efficiency, and driving overall development within the BAG region. The Minister’s focus aligns with the BAG’s core objective of fostering sub-regional cooperation in establishing safe and sustainable civil aviation systems, adhering to the standards and recommended practices set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This commitment to ICAO standards ensures that the region’s aviation practices are in line with global best practices, promoting safety and interoperability.
The Abuja meeting served as a platform for addressing shared challenges and opportunities within the West African air transport sector. Delegates engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a broad spectrum of topics, including capacity building, infrastructure development, and enhancing regional air connectivity. These discussions highlight the commitment of member states to collaborative problem-solving and strategic planning for the future of aviation in the region. Keyamo’s predecessor, the Minister of Transport and Aviation from Sierra Leone, played a significant role in laying the groundwork for these discussions and the progress made during the meeting.
Keyamo’s chairmanship comes at a crucial juncture for the West African aviation industry. The region is experiencing a surge in demand for air travel, necessitating a coordinated approach to infrastructure development, safety enhancements, and regulatory harmonization. His leadership will be essential in navigating these complex challenges and fostering a cohesive strategy for sustainable growth. The Minister’s appointment reflects the confidence placed in his ability to guide the BAG towards achieving its ambitious goals of creating a robust and interconnected aviation network within West Africa.
In a statement acknowledging his appointment, Keyamo attributed this significant development to the progressive aviation policies implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of these policies in positioning Nigeria as a leader in the region’s aviation sector and expressed his commitment to leveraging this position to further the goals of the BAG. Keyamo expressed gratitude to his fellow ministers for their support and acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor in advancing the BAG’s agenda.
Keyamo’s role as Chairman of the BAG Council of Ministers presents a unique opportunity to foster collaboration and drive positive change within the West African aviation landscape. His vision, combined with the collective efforts of the member states, promises a future of enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and greater connectivity within the region’s air transport sector. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a unified and robust aviation network that will contribute to the economic growth and development of West Africa. The collaborative spirit demonstrated at the Abuja meeting lays a strong foundation for future progress and sets a positive trajectory for the BAG’s continued efforts to enhance civil aviation in the region.
