Urgent implementation of SAATM will improve connectivity and reduce travel costs – Keyamo

Nigeria’ Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo (SAN) says urgent implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) by African countries will improve intra-African connectivity and lower travel costs.

Festus Keyamo (SAN) made the call during the opening ceremony of the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) of States, on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Abuja.

SAATM is a flagship initiative of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aimed at fostering seamless air connectivity across the continent.

“There is an urgent need to implement SAATM for the benefit of our sub-region and the entire African continent,” he said. “Air connectivity boosts the global competitiveness of cities, states, and regions. Africa must not be left behind.”

He urged member states to go beyond verbal commitments and take deliberate actions to eliminate both physical and non-physical barriers to regional air travel.

“Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders but by open opportunities,” he declared.

The minister also praised the pivotal role of the Banjul Accord Group in advancing SAATM and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to BAG’s objectives of safety, cooperation, and regional integration.

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

Keyamo noted that BAG has made significant strides in improving aviation safety, regulatory compliance, capacity building, and operational standards in the rregion.L

In his welcome address, Nigeria’s Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, highlighted the importance of the session in reviewing both progress and ongoing challenges. These include infrastructure deficits, personnel shortages, emerging safety risks, and the need for digital transformation in aviation.

He praised BAG’s efforts as a beacon of regional cooperation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in supporting the group’s vision.

“As we chart a bold path forward, we must keep our eyes on the prize—a safe, secure, and unified aviation sector in West Africa,” he said.

Fansu Bojang, Head of the BAG Secretariat and Director General of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, acknowledged the progress made by the group but stressed the need to overcome persistent challenges to unlock the region’s full potential.

“We have advanced the dreams of BAG’s founding fathers and lifted the industry from its previous state. Now we must address remaining obstacles,” he said.

While praising the founding vision of BAG as a catalyst for regional integration through air transport liberalization, he warned that sustainable funding remains a major challenge, urging member states to support efforts for practical financial solutions.

Other notable speakers included AFCAC Secretary General Adefunke Adeyemi, who stressed the urgent need to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), and ECOWAS representative Marieme Sy, who highlighted ongoing aviation security and safety oversight efforts.

The three-day event featured delegates from seven BAG member states—Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone,  alongside Regional and International partners including ICAO, AFCAC, the EU Aviation Safety Agency, and ECOWAS.