By Peter Omopo
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged African countries to move from rhetoric to action in the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), calling for greater regional cooperation and open skies across the continent.
Speaking at the three-day Plenary Session and Council of Ministers Meeting hosted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Abuja on Monday, Keyamo emphasized the need for urgent steps to actualize SAATM, a flagship project of the African Union aimed at liberalizing air transport.
“Despite strong political will and repeated declarations, progress has been slow,” Keyamo said. “Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders but by open opportunity.”
He also underscored the importance of the BAG framework—comprising COSCAP-BAG, BAGASOO, and BAGAIA—in enhancing aviation standards and regional integration. He credited the transition of COSCAP-BAG into BAGASOO and the creation of BAGAIA with driving improvements in safety, regulatory compliance, and collaboration among West African states.
Calling for the institutionalization of the BAG framework, Keyamo said, “It is time to transform BAG into a permanent, fully structured entity. A well-structured BAG will guide our aviation sector toward greater efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness.”
He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional aviation ties, saying the country remains dedicated to fostering unity and progress in Africa’s air transport industry.
