2 weeks Ago By Olusegun Koiki
LAGOS – Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to global air transport standards and facilitation protocols. A statement on Friday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Keyamo, said that the minister made this known during his speech at the ongoing 2025 International Civil Aviation Oragnisation (ICAO) Facilitation (FAL) Conference holding in Doha, Qatar.
The statement hinted that the minister was joined by other prominent figures in the global aviation community, including, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla, Minister of Transport of Qatar; Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council; Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General and several Directors-General of Civil Aviation Authorities.
Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding dedication to the objectives of ICAO, noting that since Nigeria joined the ICAO Council in 1962, the country had played an active role, particularly across the African continent. He further emphasised Nigeria’s ratification of key international air law instruments such as the Montreal Protocol and relevant amendments to the Chicago Convention. Besides, he lauded Qatar and ICAO for convening the pivotal gathering that reinforces the members’ collective commitment to advancing global air transport facilitation.
He added: “Nigeria has been recognised as the leading African nation in compliance with global aviation standards, a feat driven by our robust regulatory framework and the professionalism of our aviation workforce.” Keyamo referenced a number of significant policy developments undertaken by the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve the aviation sector. These include the endorsement of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) and associated Practice Direction on deregistration and export requests of leased aircraft in September 2024, which led to Nigeria’s Aviation Working Group (AWG) Compliance Index rising from 49.
5 per cent to 70.5 per cent. The signing of the IDERA (Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization) in December 2024, would further raise Nigeria’s compliance index to 75.
5 per cent, earning the country a place in the ‘High’ category and removing it from the AWG watchlist. This development has boosted aircraft accessibility and strengthened international investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The Minister also spoke about government’s efforts in the Implementation of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) technologies, a project that was realised through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to strengthen border security, enhance passenger screening, and streamline entry procedures.
Part of his speech to the global aviation leaders was the deployment of e-Gates at Nigeria’s international airports to facilitate seamless passenger clearance for holders of biometric passports, enhance data collection, and support national security operations. The minister also commended Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) on capacity-building programs focused on leveraging AP/PNR data for improved national security and law enforcement. “As we gather here to chart the future of global air travel, Nigeria stands ready to support and align with innovative technologies and policies that promote seamless, secure, and efficient aviation operations,” he added.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s full endorsement of the Doha Declaration on the Facilitation of International Air Transport and expressed the nation’s readiness to work collaboratively with global partners to realise its shared vision of a connected and resilient international aviation system..
