Tasks African leaders to prioritise infrastructure, investment friendly environment
By Dele Ogbodo
Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, was on Thursday elected as Chairman, Council of Ministers of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG).
He immediately pledged Nigeria’s resolve to sustain the support being extended to the sub-region, to attract investment, tourism and continued growth after the election.
Meanwhile, the new Chairman has tasked member states to prioritise aviation infrastructure development and create conducive environment to attract investments, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) has said.
Speaking during the 4th Council of Ministers after the 18th Plenary Session of BAG in Abuja, Keyamo, said BAG member States should be prepared to take more concerted efforts for more investments in the provision of infrastructure and facilities for safe, secure, environmentally friendly and sustainable civil aviation.
The Council of Ministers Meeting, hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), witnessed participation of the 7 member countries of the BAG.
The States include Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone.
He also said the recommendations of the 18th Plenary if implemented will help improve connectivity within the sub-region.
The “Outcomes, if approved by this meeting would provide coordinated solutions and framework to resolving the identified challenges in the area of air connectivity and accelerate the growth and development of air transport in the sub-region. It is believed that the successes that will be achieved in the medium-and long-term period as a result of these efforts would be models and examples to be emulated by other regions in Africa.” he assured.
The immediate past Chairman of the Banjul Accord Group, who is also the Minister of Transport and Aviation for Sierra Leone, Amb. Alhaji Fanday Turay lauded Nigeria’s in improving air safety among BAG state and the sub region in general.
According to him, as he reflects on the activities BAG, Banjul Accord Group Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) and Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), he took pride in the significant and positive contributions these institutions have made towards enhancing aviation safety and security in our region.
“The resilience, innovation and unity that characterized our collective efforts have been truly commendable. On behalf of His Excellency, the President and the government of Sierra Leone, I wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the implementation of BAG agreement and the sustainable realization of a Single Africa Àir Transport Market (SAATM) within our region” he assured.
Delivering a key note at the meeting on the topic “Strengthening Regional Connectivity Through Collaborative Partnerships,” Mallam Isa Yuguda (Former Minister of Aviation) emphasized that regional air connectivity is not a luxury but a necessity.
“Our joint commitment, innovative policies, and harmonized regulations are key not only to improving air transport, but also to unlocking broader economic potential for West Africa and the entire continent” he said.
“The true strength of the Banjul Accord lies in our unity. As the saying goes, “No bird can fly with one wing.” Likewise, no country—regardless of its capabilities—can achieve meaningful progress in isolation” he reiterated adding that despite our abundant potential, the subregion continues to face the challenge of limited and fragmented air connectivity. “Barriers such as inconsistent policies, poor infrastructure, and inadequate political commitment have hindered aviation from becoming the catalyst it should be for economic growth” he noted.
Yuguda, expressed disappointment with the expanding international hubs in the subregion whilst regional air routes remain largely neglected.
“It is troubling that over 60% of intra-African air travel still relies on non-African transit points—draining resources and stifling our own growth” he said.
The former Minister of Aviation who signed the BAG document in 2004 on behalf of Nigeria also spoke about the ingrained challenges holding the Group aground.
“There is also a visible imbalance in resources among our member states. While some nations possess the means to invest in aviation, others struggle to maintain basic services. This disparity has created a ripple effect: fewer flights, longer travel times, higher costs, and frustration for the travelling public” he indicated.
“Now is the time to act. We must move beyond mere aspirations and translate our commitments into measurable outcomes. As leaders and policymakers, the responsibility rests on us to prioritize collaboration as a strategic necessity” he said.
True partnership he emphasised requires more than signatures. “We must align our operational frameworks, harmonize regulations, and support liberalized access through initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Regional organizations, civil aviation authorities, and airlines must collaborate—not compete—to build a cohesive air transport system that serves all.”
