Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strengthening global aviation safety regulations as the country’s delegation, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, joined world leaders at the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal, Canada.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood.
The statement read partly: “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ICAO global safety regulations.”
In his address, Keyamo conveyed the greetings of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people. He congratulated the President of the 42nd Assembly and President of the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, H.E. Engineer Naif Al-Abri, and other newly elected officials. He also commended ICAO for its leadership in shaping international aviation standards.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s longstanding involvement since joining the ICAO Council in 1962, Keyamo highlighted the country’s contributions to global aviation safety and its ratification of major international air law treaties, including the Montreal Protocol and amendments to Articles 50(a) and 56 of the Chicago Convention.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles and objectives of ICAO. As Africa’s most populous nation and a strategic aviation hub in West Africa, we continue to invest in infrastructure modernisation, regulatory reform, and capacity building to ensure our sector meets global standards and contributes meaningfully to regional and international connectivity,” said Keyamo.
The minister outlined priority policy areas, reaffirming Nigeria’s support for the Global Aviation Safety Plan, the Global Air Navigation Plan, and the Global Aviation Security Plan. He also stated that Nigeria remains an active contributor to BAGASOO and BAGAIA.
He noted that Nigeria has strengthened its bilateral and multilateral aviation ties, including recently signing Air Services Agreements with Canada, while renewing the country’s advocacy for the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market.
Keyamo emphasised ongoing investments in secure, modern, and environmentally conscious aviation infrastructure designed to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading aviation hub. He referenced the deployment of advanced screening technology, continuous aviation security training, and Nigeria’s participation in the ICAO Public Key Directory.
He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its State Action Plan on emissions reduction, the nation’s participation in CORSIA, and ongoing collaboration with the European Union on Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Looking forward, the minister called for increased ICAO support to developing countries in safety oversight, digital transformation, and climate-resilient aviation infrastructure. He also sought the support of ICAO Member States for Nigeria’s re-election into Part II of the ICAO Council, along with backing for all African Union–endorsed candidates.
In a significant announcement, Keyamo invited global aviation stakeholders to the inaugural Nigerian International Airshow scheduled for Abuja from December 2 to 4, 2025. The event aims to showcase Nigeria’s expanding capabilities across civil and military aviation.
Concluding his remarks, the minister applauded ICAO for successfully organising the Assembly and thanked the government and people of Canada for their hospitality. He reaffirmed that, “With innovation, sustainability, and partnerships across borders, together we can ensure that no nation is left behind in building a truly global and inclusive aviation ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria has achieved a diplomatic milestone with the re-election of its candidate, Engr. Mahmoud Ben-Tukur, into Part II of the ICAO Council at the ongoing Assembly.
This was announced in a separate release by Moshood.
Ben-Tukur secured 163 votes out of 185 in a highly competitive contest involving 11 African nations, a victory that reinforces global confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to international aviation governance.
Ben-Tukur, Nigeria’s Representative to ICAO, will retain his position on the Council—a development the Federal Government says will strengthen Nigeria’s influence in shaping global aviation policy and standards.
Nigeria joins 11 other countries re-elected into Part II of the Council, including Egypt and South Africa, a result seen as a boost for Africa’s presence within the global aviation system.
Keyamo led Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach in support of Ben-Tukur’s candidacy and participated in the voting sessions for both Part I and Part II on behalf of the country.
Reacting to the outcome, the minister described the victory as a “proud moment for Nigeria and for Africa”, noting that the re-election underscores the nation’s commitment to the advancement of global aviation and the pursuit of safety, security, and sustainability in the sector.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s renewed mandate on the ICAO Council ensures continued engagement in decisions shaping global aviation while advancing Africa’s strategic interests in the international aviation ecosystem.
