Keyamo Advocates for Enhanced African Air Connectivity

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, called for stronger intra-African air connectivity during the opening of the 35th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Annual General Assembly, Regional Conference, and Exhibition in Abuja. He stressed that it should not be easier to travel from an African city to a destination outside the continent than between two African cities.

Keyamo urged for enhanced cooperation among African governments, airlines, airport operators, and regulators to develop commercially viable airports and improve connectivity. He highlighted the significance of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in fostering economic integration.

Keyamo noted Nigeria's aviation transformation, marked by a 91.45 percent Effective Implementation score from the 2026 ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission, the highest in the country's history. He also mentioned plans to modernize airport infrastructure and encourage private-sector participation in aviation services.