The federal government calls for urgent action to quickly track the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) with the aim of enhancing connectivity within the continent and reducing travel costs.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said this at the opening of the 18th overall session of the Banjul Accord Group (Bag) in Abuja on Monday.
“I would like to highlight the urgent need to implement a single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) for the benefit of our sub-regions and the entire African continent,” he said.
He emphasized that despite strong political will and numerous declarations, progress is slow and fragmentation persists as a barrier to regional integration.
The three-day gathering, hosted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, brings together the aviation ministers and regulators from seven member states of the bag. Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone.
Also Read: Nigerians skip air travel as a high-cost ground flight
SAATM, a flagship initiative based on African Union Agenda 2063, aims to harmonize air transport policies on participating countries' routes, frequencies and pricing and raise restrictions.
According to the Minister, air connections are assets and Africa cannot be left behind as it improves the global competitiveness of cities, states and regions.
He emphasized that SAATM will smooth out passenger and cargo movements, reduce transportation points and offer competitive prices. He also called for addressing non-physical barriers, particularly high travel costs within the area.
“SAATM is believed to strengthen connectivity within Africa and smooth passenger and cargo movement at a competitive price and at minimal transport points. To achieve these, we need to not only implement SAATM, but also make a conscious effort to address the issues of non-physical barriers, including the high cost of travel within the region.”
Emphasizing the pivotal role of the bag, the Minister reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to the territorial ideal of cooperation, security and regulation harmony. “Let's leave this meeting with a common resolve to raise the bags into a true model of African aviation solidarity,” he said.
Previously, NCAA Director Chris Najomo celebrated the overall outcome and described it as an opportunity to focus on challenges such as infrastructure gaps, staffing shortages, new safety risks and driving digital transformation.
“Nigeria is the driving force behind the territorial group and remains steadfast in its enthusiastic support for Bag's adorable purpose, and is committed to playing an active and constructive role in seeing the realisation of such an air transport sector in West Africa and beyond.
“We'll graph the bold paths of bags in particular, and the bold paths of Africa and global aviation in general, but let's look at the awards of the safe and secure unified aviation category in West Africa,” he pointed out.
Huang Bojang, Executive Director of Bag and Director of the Gambian Civil Aviation Authority, also called for continued efforts to unlock the potential of aviation in the sub-region. “As a group, we pulled the industry out of deep by, where we once found ourselves,” he said.
Buhari Abdulfatai, chairman of the Aviation Senate Committee, represented by Augustine Akobundu, confirmed his support for the vision of the Parliamentary Bag. He called for harmony in policies to enhance safety monitoring, infrastructure development and regional cooperation.
“Nigeria recognizes the importance of regional cooperation in aviation safety, security and advances in development. We acknowledge the role of bags in promoting shared standards and technical assistance between member states,” he said.
