We’re committed to global aviation safety regulations – FG
FILE: Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
* … commends ICAO’s leadership in aviation.
Nigeria has restated its commitment to upholding and advancing global aviation safety regulations as the country’s delegation, led by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, joined global leaders at the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal, Canada.
This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood.
The statement read partly: “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ICAO global safety regulations.”
In his remarks, Keyamo relayed the greetings of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people and congratulated the President of the 42nd Assembly and President of the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, H.E. Engineer Naif Al-Abri, alongside other newly elected officials. He also commended ICAO’s leadership in guiding global aviation standards.
Recounting Nigeria’s active role since joining the ICAO Council in 1962, Keyamo highlighted the nation’s contributions to international aviation safety and its ratification of major air law instruments, including the Montreal Protocol and amendments to Articles 50(a) and 56 of the Chicago Convention.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles and objectives of ICAO. As Africa’s most populous nation and a strategic aviation hub in West Africa, we continue to invest in infrastructure modernisation, regulatory reform, and capacity building to ensure our sector meets global standards and contributes meaningfully to regional and international connectivity,” said Keyamo.
The minister’s statement outlined several key policy areas: Nigeria reiterated its support for the Global Aviation Safety Plan, Global Air Navigation Plan, and Global Aviation Security Plan, while maintaining its role as a leading contributor to BAGASOO and BAGAIA.
He emphasised Nigeria’s strengthened bilateral and multilateral ties, including recent Air Services Agreements with Canada, and reaffirmed the nation’s advocacy for the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market.
Keyamo highlighted ongoing government investments in modern, secure, and environmentally friendly airport and air navigation infrastructure aimed at positioning Nigeria as Africa’s most competitive aviation hub.
He cited the deployment of advanced security screening systems, continuous training of aviation security personnel, and Nigeria’s active participation in the ICAO Public Key Directory.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s implementation of its State Action Plan on emissions reduction and the country’s active role in CORSIA, as well as cooperation with the European Union on Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Looking ahead, the minister urged greater ICAO support for developing nations in areas such as safety oversight, climate-resilient infrastructure, and digital transformation. He formally sought the support of ICAO Member States for Nigeria’s re-election into Part II of the ICAO Council, along with endorsements for all African Union–backed candidates.
In a major announcement, Keyamo invited the global aviation community to the inaugural Nigerian International Airshow, scheduled for Abuja from 2 to 4 December 2025. The event, which will bring together civil and military aviation stakeholders, aims to showcase Nigeria’s growing aviation capabilities.
Concluding his remarks, the minister praised ICAO for a well-organised Assembly and thanked the government and people of Canada for their hospitality. He reaffirmed that, “With innovation, sustainability, and partnerships across borders, together we can ensure that no nation is left behind in building a truly global and inclusive aviation ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria has secured a major diplomatic win with the re-election of its candidate, Engr Mahmoud Ben-Tukur, into Part II of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation at the ongoing 42nd ICAO Assembly.
This was announced in a press release issued by Moshood.
The election saw Ben-Tukur triumph in a tight contest involving 11 other African nations. He polled 163 votes out of 185 eligible member states, reaffirming international confidence in Nigeria’s contribution to global aviation governance.
Ben-Tukur, who currently serves as Nigeria’s Representative to ICAO, will retain his seat on the Council, a development the Federal Government says will help strengthen the country’s voice in shaping global aviation policies and standards.
Nigeria is joined 11 other countries re-elected into Part II of the ICAO Council, including Egypt and South Africa from the African bloc, an outcome seen as a boost for Africa’s influence within the global aviation system.
Keyamo led Nigeria’s delegation to the Assembly and coordinated an intensive diplomatic campaign in support of Ben-Tukur’s candidacy. The minister also participated in the voting sessions for both Part I and Part II of the council elections on Nigeria’s behalf.
Speaking after the results were announced, the minister described the victory as a “proud moment for Nigeria and for Africa”, noting that the re-election reaffirms the country’s commitment to the growth of international civil aviation and the promotion of safety, security, and sustainability in the sector.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s renewed mandate on the ICAO Council ensures the nation remains actively engaged in decisions shaping global aviation while advancing Africa’s interests in the international aviation community.
