The Nigerian federal government is advocating for the urgent implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to tackle the high costs of airline tickets and improve air connectivity across the African continent. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo emphasized the importance of enhanced air links in boosting the competitiveness of African cities and facilitating smoother movement of both passengers and cargo.

During the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) in Abuja, officials addressed critical challenges such as digital transformation, infrastructure gaps, human resource shortages, and emerging safety hazards within the aviation sector. Capt. Chris Najomo, Nigeria's Director General of Civil Aviation, highlighted the session as an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and refocus efforts on the difficulties ahead. He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to supporting the objectives of BAG and fostering a safe, secure, effective, and environmentally conscious aviation industry in West Africa and beyond, aligning with ICAO's 'No Country Left Behind' initiative.

Minister Keyamo urged African nations that have ratified the SAATM agreement to expedite its implementation, stressing that Africa cannot afford to lag behind in air connectivity, which enhances the global competitiveness of cities, states, and regions. He noted that despite strong political will and numerous declarations, progress has been slow, with fragmentation remaining a significant barrier to regional integration. SAATM is expected to improve intra-African connections, reduce transit points, and offer competitive prices for passengers and cargo movement. Addressing non-physical barriers, including high travel costs within the region, requires collective resolve.

The Plenary Session underscored the need for digital transformation in aviation, addressing human resource shortages, infrastructural gaps, and emerging safety hazards. The DGCA emphasized that Nigeria remains steadfast in its support for BAG's objectives, aiming to create a thriving air transport sector in West Africa and beyond.