The Nigerian government has called for urgent action to fast-track the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), emphasising its critical role in strengthening regional integration and transforming Africa’s aviation landscape.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, made this call on Monday during the opening ceremony of the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) of States, which commenced in Abuja. The three-day event, hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), brought together aviation stakeholders and delegates from the seven BAG member countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone.
In his keynote address, Keyamo underscored the importance of SAATM as a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a seamlessly connected continent through open skies and liberalised air transport. He stressed that despite years of commitments and political declarations, the pace of implementation remains disappointingly slow.
“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 said. “Africa’s aviation sector cannot afford to lag when air connectivity is increasingly becoming a vital driver of global competitiveness, trade, tourism and investment.”
The minister pointed out that Africa’s fragmented airspace and persistent regulatory barriers are preventing the continent from reaping the full economic and social benefits of a unified air transport market. He added that intra-African air travel remains expensive and inefficient, with limited direct flights and multiple transit points that discourage trade and tourism.
“SAATM has the potential to enhance intra-African connections, allowing passengers and cargo to move with greater ease and at more competitive prices,” Keyamo noted. “To achieve this, however, we must go beyond rhetoric. Member states must take coordinated and deliberate steps to dismantle non-physical barriers such as excessive taxes, restrictive bilateral agreements and high operational costs.”
He urged BAG members to transform their commitments into concrete actions and pledged Nigeria’s unwavering support for regional cooperation and policy alignment. “Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders but by open opportunities,” he added.
Keyamo also reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the ideals of the Banjul Accord Group, which was established to foster sub-regional cooperation in civil aviation. He praised BAG for its efforts in strengthening aviation safety, regulatory oversight and operational standards in West Africa.
“Let us leave this meeting with a shared determination to elevate BAG into a model of African aviation solidarity,” he stated.
In his welcome remarks, the director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo said the 18th Plenary Session was an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and recommit to overcoming existing challenges in the region’s aviation industry.
Najomo highlighted several pressing issues, including infrastructure deficits, a shortage of skilled personnel, emerging safety risks and the need for rapid digital transformation. He praised BAG for remaining a beacon of sub-regional collaboration, especially in advancing the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) “No Country Left Behind” initiative.
“Nigeria, as a driving force within BAG, remains steadfast in its support for the group’s objectives,” Najomo affirmed. “We are committed to playing an active and constructive role in shaping a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible aviation sector in West Africa.”
Head of the BAG secretariat and director-general of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, Fansu Bojang echoed similar sentiments. He stated that while progress has been made in stabilising the industry, much more is needed to unlock its full potential.
“As a group, we have rescued the industry from the abyss and placed it on a firmer foundation,” Bojang said. “However, we must now work together to overcome the challenges that threaten to derail our gains.”
He emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation in ensuring that BAG remains relevant in the evolving global aviation environment.
On behalf of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, represented by Senator Augustine Akobundu, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to the vision of a harmonised and integrated West African aviation community.
“Nigeria recognises the importance of regional cooperation in advancing aviation safety, security and development,” Akobundu said. “The National Assembly supports the work of BAG in promoting capacity building, shared technical standards and mutual assistance among member states.”
He also called for policy harmonisation across the region and pledged legislative backing for enhanced regulatory frameworks, safety oversight and strategic investment in aviation infrastructure.
As the plenary continues, stakeholders are expected to adopt resolutions that will strengthen the implementation of SAATM and deepen cooperation among BAG members, with the shared goal of transforming West Africa into a model of integrated, safe and competitive air transport.
With renewed calls for action and a spirit of regional solidarity, Nigeria and its BAG counterparts are looking to shape a more connected and prosperous future for African aviation.
