Single African Air Transport market will address aviation challenges -Minister
... As Stakeholders call for over 295 Million population of member States, 447 Million ECOWAS air travel safety
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
In order to Strengthen Aviation Safety and Development in Africa, Nigeria has hosted the 18th Plenary and Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Banjul Accord Group – BAG African member states in Abuja, Nigeria.
“The 18th Plenary and meeting of the council of Ministers of Banjul Accord Group, runs from 19th – 21st May, 2025, held, in Abuja, Nigeria.
At the opening of the day one of the Banjul Accord Group – BAG sessions on Monday, 19th May, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Aviation, and Areospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, in his welcome speech, said : ”
The Banjul Accord Group (BAG) has made significant achievements in aviation safety, security, and economic development within its member states.
According to the Honourable Minister, The organization’s efforts have led to strengthened aviation safety oversight, improved regulatory frameworks, and enhanced capacity building
“Establishment of the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organization (BAGASOO)
Creation of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAA- Strengthening aviation safety efficiency and oversight across the region
Ensuring compliance with international best practices Reinforcing regional cooperation and harmonizing regulatory frameworks
Institutionalizing BAG to transform it into a permanent and fully structured entity- Implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to enhance intra-African connections and air transport integration – Addressing non-fiscal barriers, including high travel costs within the region
Honourable Festus urges all stakeholders to support the transformation of BAG and the implementation of SAATM. He emphasizes the need for collective resolve and coordinated efforts to make SAATM a reality and unlock the potential of air connectivity in Africa.
Nigeria’s Aviation Minister emphasizes benefits of SAATM to all Africa members state to include:
Enhanced intra-African connection
Smooth movement of passengers and cargo with minimum transit points
Competitive price- Improved global competitiveness of cities, states, and regions
“Honourable Festus Keyamo reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to BAG and the ideals of cooperation, safety, and integration. He calls on all member states to work together to achieve a more seamless and resilient air transport network in Africa.
The Banjul Accord Group member states : Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, the main purpose of the Single African Air Transport Market is to establish a regulatory framework to enable ECOWAS member states to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, ground personnel, and the general public in all matters related to protection against acts of unlawful interference.
The Banjul Accord group has its directors general of BAG States namely, Mario M Delgado Gomes, Director General, Cabo Verde Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Fansu Bojang, Director General, The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, Ag. Director General, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris O. Najomo, Director General Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Hon. Julius D. Dennis Jnr. Director General, Liberia Civil Aviation Authority, and M. Sekou Oumar THIAM, General Manager, Guinea n Civil Aviation Authority.
