Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keamo has urged Banjul Accord Group member states to focus on aviation infrastructure and promote an environment that encourages investment.
After the 18th Plenary Conference held in Abuja on Thursday, during the fourth Council of Ministers, Keeamo emphasized the need for targeted investments to strengthen the region's aviation industry.
“Bag Member States need to be prepared to make a more coordinated effort to invest more in the provision of infrastructure and facilities for safe, secure, environmentally friendly and sustainable civil aviation,” Keyamo said.
The Council meeting, organized by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, brought together seven member states: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea-Conakley, Gambia, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone. Bar during the event. Keeammo was also elected to chair the Council of Ministers.
He pledged continued support for Nigeria's sub-regions with the aim of attracting investment, promoting tourism and promoting sustainable growth. He said successful implementation of the 18th Plenary Conference recommendations could significantly improve connectivity within the region.
“If approved at this conference, the results provide a collaborative solution and a framework for solving challenges identified in the field of air connections and accelerating the growth and development of air transport in subregions. As a result of these efforts, the success achieved over the medium and long term will be expanded by other legions in Africa.
Sierra Leone's Minister of Transport and Bag's most recent chairman, Alhaji Tulay, praised Nigeria's contribution to improving air safety throughout the region.
“The resilience, innovation and unity that characterizes our collective efforts are truly commendable. On behalf of His Excellency, President and the government of Sierra Leone, I would like to reaffirm the unwavering commitment to the implementation of the Bag Agreement and the sustainable realization of a single African air transport market within our region,” he added.
Former Aviation Minister Isa Yuguda gave a keynote address on the subject of “Strengthening Local ties through joint partnerships,” explaining that local air connectivity is essential.
“Our joint commitments, innovative policies and harmonized regulations are important not only to improve air transport, but also to unlock broader economic potential across West Africa and the continent,” he said.
“The true strength of the Banjuru Accord lies in our unity. As the proverb says, “A bird cannot fly on one wing.” Similarly, no country can achieve isolated and meaningful progress regardless of its capabilities,” he repeated.
Emphasizing the sustainable challenges, Yuguda said: “Barriers such as inconsistent policies, poor infrastructure and inadequate political commitments are preventing aviation from becoming a catalyst for economic growth,” he said.
He also criticized the growing reliance on foreign transport points. “It's troubling that over 60% of air travel in Africa remain dependent on eliminating transit points outside of Africa and restraining our own growth,” he said.
Reflecting the disparities between member states, Yuguda added: “There is also a visible imbalance in the resources of our member countries. While some countries have the means to invest in aviation, others struggle to maintain basic services.
In pursuit of urgent action, he said: “It's time to act. We must go beyond mere aspirations and translate our commitments into measurable outcomes. As leaders and policymakers, responsibility rests on us to prioritize collaboration as a strategic need.”
Yuguda concluded by highlighting the need for a true partnership. “A true partnership requires more than a signature: it requires coordination of operational frameworks, harmonization of regulations, and support liberalized access through initiatives such as the single African Air Transport Market.
