Nigeria seeks re-election into international civil aviation council

By Abubakar Yunusa

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, says Nigeria seeks re-election to Part II of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, as well as endorsement of all African states backed by the African Union (AU).
In a statement , Tunde Moshood, the minister’s media aide, said Keyamo spoke at the ICAO’s 42nd Assembly in Montreal, Canada.
Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ICAO global safety regulations at the assembly, which runs from September 23 to October 3, gathering global aviation leaders, policymakers, and regulators to deliberate on the future of international civil aviation.
In his address, the minister extended felicitations on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians to the ICAO leadership and member states.
He congratulated Naif Al-Abri, president of the 42nd assembly and president of Oman Civil Aviation Authority, alongside other elected officials, while commending ICAO’s continued leadership in shaping global aviation.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to ICAO since joining the Council in 1962, Keyamo highlighted the country’s sustained contributions to global aviation safety, security, and facilitation.
He noted Nigeria’s ratification of all international air law instruments, including the Montreal Protocol and amendments to Articles 50(a) and 56 of the Chicago Convention, stressing the nation’s role as a champion of aviation development in Africa.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles and objectives of ICAO,” Keyamo said.
“As Africa’s most populous nation and a strategic aviation hub in West Africa, we continue to invest in infrastructure modernization, regulatory reform, and capacity building to ensure our sector meets global standards and contributes meaningfully to regional and international connectivity.”
According to the statement, key highlights of Keyamo’s speech include Nigeria reaffirming support for the global aviation safety plan, global air navigation plan, and global aviation security plan, while maintaining its role as host and leading contributor to BAGASOO and BAGAIA.
“Regional and Global Cooperation: Nigeria is strengthening bilateral and multilateral air transport relations, including recent Air Services Agreements with Canada, and remains a strong advocate for liberalization through the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM),” the statement reads.
“Infrastructure Development: The Minister emphasized government investments in modern, secure, and environmentally friendly aviation infrastructure to make Nigeria the most competitive aviation hub in Africa.
“Security Enhancements: He cited the installation of state-of-the-art security equipment, continuous training of Aviation Security personnel, and Nigeria’s active participation in the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD).
“Environmental Commitment: Nigeria continues to implement its State Action Plan on emissions reduction, actively participates in CORSIA, and collaborates with the European Union on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) development.
“Looking to the future, the Minister called for deeper ICAO support for developing nations, particularly in strengthening safety oversight, building climate-resilient infrastructure, and accelerating digital transformation.”
Moshood said the minister extended a special invitation to ICAO member states and stakeholders to the first-ever Nigerian International Airshow, scheduled to hold in Abuja from December 2 to 4, 2025.
He said the event, a collaboration between civil and military aviation sectors, is expected to showcase Nigeria’s growing aviation potential to the world.