The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has been appointed Chairman of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) Council of Ministers. The appointment was confirmed during the 4th BAG Council of Ministers Meeting held in Abuja on May 22, 2025.
The National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced the development, describing it as a strategic boost for Nigeria’s influence in shaping West Africa’s aviation policies.
Delivering his welcome address, Keyamo underscored the critical role of regional cooperation in building a secure, sustainable, and interconnected air transport system. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering support for the BAG’s objectives, including aviation liberalization, regional integration, and strategic infrastructure investment. He also praised BAG-affiliated agencies, BAGASOO and BAGAIA, for their continued efforts in promoting aviation safety across the region.
The keynote address was delivered by former Minister of Aviation, Mallam Isa Yuguda, who emphasized the urgency of regional synergy in standardizing aviation regulations and accelerating the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). He highlighted the need to eliminate fragmented policies and fix infrastructure deficits to achieve seamless air connectivity and boost intra-African trade.
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One of the highlights of the meeting was the signing of critical BAG legal instruments by ministers of member states. A joint communiqué was issued, reaffirming the commitment of member nations to fully support SAATM and promote BAG-designated airlines under the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA).
The ministers also approved the introduction of a one-dollar ($1) BAG Passenger Safety Charge (PSC), aligning with ECOWAS aviation policy. In a strategic policy shift, the council resolved not to renew the Management Service Agreement (MSA) between the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and BAG, which expired in November 2024 after being in place since 2009.
This appointment signals a renewed leadership role for Nigeria in continental aviation reform and positions Festus Keyamo as a central figure in the push toward a unified African airspace.