Keyamo champions African aviation integration, infrastructure investment
By Dickson Omobola
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong support for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that stronger air transport links are essential to unlocking Africa’s economic opportunities.
Keyamo made the remarks on Monday while attending the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Togo, where he led a senior Nigerian delegation to officially receive former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, at the event.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the convention has brought together leading aviation policymakers, regulators, industry experts and development partners from across the continent to discuss ways of improving air connectivity, regional cooperation and sustainable aviation growth in Africa.
The statement noted that Obasanjo’s participation reflects his continued dedication to promoting Africa’s economic integration and advancing the aviation sector as a key driver of trade, tourism and overall development.
It also stated that the event was attended by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Togo, and Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, alongside several other African leaders and major stakeholders in the aviation industry.
The statement further highlighted Nigeria’s prominent role in shaping the future of African aviation, noting that the country’s delegation included Mrs. Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC); Captain Juan Olubodun, SAATM Ambassador for the Western Region; and Captain Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), among other officials.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to SAATM, Keyamo said the country would continue collaborating with other African nations and regional aviation bodies to develop policies and strategic partnerships aimed at improving air transport, expanding aviation infrastructure, attracting investment and ensuring the seamless movement of passengers and cargo across the continent.