…strengthening intra-african air travel: a necessity, not an option…Isa Yuguda
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has called on member countries of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) to urgently prioritize aviation infrastructure and cultivate environments conducive to attracting vital investments within the sector.
His remarks came during the 4th Council of Ministers’ Meeting, held in Abuja following the 18th BAG Plenary.
A Call for Renewed Commitment
Addressing representatives from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde, and Guinea Conakry, Keyamo emphasized the critical need for a renewed commitment to safe, secure, and sustainable air travel across the West African sub-region.
“We must take concerted steps toward investments in civil aviation infrastructure that are not just safe and secure, but environmentally sustainable and future-ready”.
The meeting hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA also saw Keyamo unanimously elected as the new Chairman of the Council of Ministers.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to regional cooperation, highlighting its potential to significantly boost tourism, trade, and air connectivity.
The Minister suggested that the recommendations emerging from the 18th Plenary could serve as a blueprint for other African regions.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity: A Necessity, Not an Option
Former Minister of Aviation, Mallam Isa Yuguda, delivered a powerful keynote address on “Strengthening Regional Connectivity,” asserting that air transport is not merely an option but an essential component for Africa’s economic transformation.
Yuguda expressed concern over the current state of intra-African air travel, noting, “It’s unacceptable that over 60% of intra-African air travel depends on non-African hubs. This is draining our resources and stifling growth. We must harmonize regulations and turn political will into action.”
Yuguda warned that fragmented policies, inadequate infrastructure, and uneven capacities among member states continue to impede the aviation sector’s full potential.
He advocated genuine collaboration over competition, specifically referencing platforms like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) as crucial for progress.
Stakeholders at the BAG meeting echoed the growing urgency to strengthen intra-African connectivity, asserting that the time for discussions has passed.
They emphasized that decisive action is now paramount for a united and prosperous future for African aviation.
