Keyamo urges African nations to take decisive action on SAATM for economic integration

On Monday, May 19, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, called for African countries to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps in implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) of States, held in Abuja by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Keyamo emphasized the need for “open opportunities” in Africa’s skies, rather than “closed borders.”

Keyamo’s comments came as aviation leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone—countries in the sub-regional aviation bloc—gathered for the three-day meeting. The Minister noted that the successful implementation of SAATM is crucial for Africa’s economic integration, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. However, he expressed concern over the slow pace of progress.

“Despite Africa’s strong political will and numerous declarations, progress has been slow, and fragmentation remains a barrier to our regional integration. Air connectivity is an asset that improves the global competitiveness of cities, states, and regions. Africa cannot afford to be left behind,” Keyamo said.

SAATM, an ambitious initiative, seeks to establish a unified air transport market across Africa, with the aim of improving intra-African connectivity, reducing travel costs, and facilitating smoother movement of goods and passengers. Keyamo stressed that achieving these goals requires more than just political commitment; it requires real, coordinated action.

“It is believed that SAATM will enhance intra-African connections and make the movement of passengers and cargo smooth with minimum transit points at competitive prices. But achieving this requires our collective resolve, not just in principle, but in action,” he explained.

The Minister urged BAG members and other African nations to take deliberate steps toward transforming the SAATM vision into reality: “Let us move beyond commitments and take coordinated, deliberate steps toward making SAATM a living reality.”

Keyamo also reiterated Nigeria’s continued commitment to both SAATM and the Banjul Accord Group. He described BAG as an essential platform for fostering cooperation, safety, and regulatory integration across West Africa.

“Let us leave this meeting with a shared determination to elevate BAG into a true model of African aviation solidarity,” he said.

In his welcome address, Capt. Chris Najomo, Nigeria’s Director-General of Civil Aviation, highlighted that the plenary was not only a moment for reflection but also a call to bold action. He identified key regional challenges, including infrastructure deficits, a shortage of skilled personnel, and the pressing need for digital transformation within the aviation sector.

“While we chart a bold path forward for BAG and African aviation, let us keep our eyes on the prize — a safe, secure, and unified aviation sector in West Africa,” Najomo said.

Fansu Bojang, the Head of the BAG Secretariat and Director General of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, acknowledged the progress made but stressed that complacency could no longer be an option.

“As a group, we have pulled the industry from the abyss, but we must now overcome the remaining challenges to unlock the full potential of our sub-region,” he said.

Senator Augustine Akobundu, representing the Senate Committee Chairman on Aviation, reaffirmed Nigeria’s legislative support for regional cooperation in aviation, particularly in harmonizing policies and enhancing regulatory frameworks across the region.

“Nigeria recognizes the importance of regional cooperation in advancing aviation safety, security, and development. We support the harmonization of policies and enhanced regulatory frameworks across the region,” Akobundu said.

As the 18th plenary continues, stakeholders are expected to adopt new strategies aimed at strengthening cooperation and ensuring that the dream of SAATM becomes a functional reality across the continent.