Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has asked Banjul Accord Group (BAG) member states to prioritize the development of aviation infrastructure and create a facilitating environment that attracts investment.
Speaking at the fourth Council of Ministers after the 18th Plenary Meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Keeahmo said that more collaborative efforts need to be prepared to invest more in the provision of infrastructure and facilities for safe, safe, environmentally friendly and sustainable civil aviation.
A ministerial meeting, hosted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), witnessed the participation of the seven member states of Bag.
The states include Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone. bar. Keeamo was also voted as chairman of the Council of Ministers.
He pledged Nigeria's resolve to maintain its subregional expansion support to attract investment, tourism and continuous growth.
He also said that the overall recommendations for the 18th edition, if implemented, would help improve connectivity within subregions.
He said: “If approved at this conference, it will provide coordinated solutions and frameworks to solve the challenges identified in the field of aviation connectivity, accelerating the growth and development of air transport in subregions. As a result of these efforts, it is believed that success will be achieved over the medium and long term.”
The most recent chairman of the bag. Alhaji Fanday Turay praised Nigeria for improving air safety between Bag State and Subregion.
He said: “The resilience, innovation and unity that characterizes our collective efforts are truly commendable. On behalf of the President and the government of Sierra Leone, we would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the sustainable realization of a single African Transport Market (SAATM) within our region.”
Former Aviation Minister Malam Isa Yuguda (former Aviation Minister) emphasized that regional aviation connectivity is not a luxury but a need.
He said: “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.
“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 meaningful progress on its own, regardless of its capabilities.
He noted that inconsistent policies, poor infrastructure and inadequate political commitments prevent aviation from becoming a catalyst for economic growth.
Mallam Yuguda expressed disappointment at the growing international hub of regional air routes, but the regional air routes remain largely ignored.
“It's troubling that over 60% of air travel within Africa still relies on non-African transport points, ejecting resources and suppressing our growth.”
The former Aviation Minister, who signed the bag document in 2004 on behalf of Nigeria, also spoke about the rooted challenges that surprised the group.
“There is also a visible imbalance in resources among our member countries. Some countries have the means to invest in aviation, while others struggle to maintain basic services. This disparity has created a ripple effect.
“Now is the 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,” he said.
The true partnership he highlights requires more than a signature. “Through initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), we need to coordinate operational frameworks, harmonize regulations and support liberalized access. Regional organizations, civil aviation authorities and airlines must work together to build an involuntary air transport system that will serve all.”
