Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been appointed Chairman of the Banjul Accord Group Council of Ministers. The announcement was made during the 4th Meeting of the Council of Ministers, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria.
According to a statement from Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the appointment reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s leadership role in regional aviation matters.
The Banjul Accord Group Council is composed of aviation and transport ministers from seven West African nations. These include Nigeria, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Present at the meeting were notable dignitaries including Minister of Transport Cabo Verde, Dr. Jose Luis S.A. Nogueira; Minister of Transport The Gambia, Hon. Ebrima Sillah; and Minister of Transport and Aviation Ghana, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe.
Also in attendance were Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Guinea, Hon. Ousmane Gaoual Diallo; Minister of Transport Liberia, Hon. Sirleaf Ralph Tyler; and Minister of Transport and Aviation Sierra Leone, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay.
Festus Keyamo’s new role as Chairman will see him lead efforts to harmonise aviation policies across the sub-region. He is also expected to drive cooperation among member states to improve safety, efficiency, and regulatory alignment.
“The objective is to consolidate shared aviation goals and deliver a sustainable framework that meets ICAO standards,” said one of the regional delegates during the closed session.
The Banjul Accord Group Council aims to build a strong, interconnected civil aviation system across West Africa. It was formed to promote regional unity and create safe, sustainable air transport solutions.
The Abuja meeting tackled key issues affecting member states. These included air connectivity, capacity building, infrastructure development, and cross-border air safety management.
Stakeholders present affirmed their commitment to strengthening the region’s aviation landscape through cooperation and technical collaboration. Discussions focused on practical ways to build capacity and bridge regulatory gaps.
As Council Chairman, Minister Keyamo is now positioned to guide policy direction and push implementation of collective aviation objectives. His leadership is seen as critical in realising long-standing regional goals.
“This marks a turning point for aviation development in West Africa. We are ready to move forward together,” said a participating minister during the plenary.
With his appointment, expectations are high for improved collaboration and coordinated growth across the BAG states. The consensus is that new energy and vision will propel the group’s objectives.
