Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has congratulated the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Barrister Festus Keyamo SAN on his appointment as theChairman of the Council of Ministers of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), saying it is an honour well deserved.
The congratulatory messages were contained in a statement signed by the Chairman and Vice Chairman of AON, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa and Dr. Allen Onyema, respectively.
The Banjul Accord Group (BAG) is a coalition of seven West African countries committed to the advancement of civil aviation in the sub-region.
The Nigerian airlines operators remarked that the appointment is a well deserved one because it is a testament to the leadership qualities Keyamo has provided in the industry in Nigeria.
“This remarkable appointment is a testament to the Honourable Minister’s exceptional leadership, bold reforms, and tireless dedication to repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector as a beacon of excellence across Africa. It further affirms Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping the future of aviation on the continent and globally,” AON stated.
The body of airline operators added that since assumption of office as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, Keyamo has championed reforms which elevated the sector in Nigeria to be among the best rated in the aviation premier league globally.
“Since assuming office, Mr. Keyamo has championed far-reaching reforms that have revitalized the aviation industry, from championing a revised regulatory framework for leased aircraft insurance, to ensuring Nigeria’s proactive engagement with the global Aviation Working Group. His efforts have significantly improved investor confidence, aircraft financing options, and ease of doing business for indigenous operators.
“Under his stewardship, Nigerian airlines have achieved new milestones, including the historic Lagos-to-London flight by Air Peace and Nigeria’s strategic participation at the prestigious Aviation Finance Conference in Dublin, both historic feats that have placed the nation firmly on the global aviation map,” the airline operated noted.
At the home front, AON affirmed, “Minister Keyamo’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainable growth of the industry which they affirmed, “is evident in his continuous push for infrastructure investment and his successful advocacy for the Cape Town Convention’s full implementation moves that have enhanced Nigeria’s international aviation standing.”
The airline operators also used the occasion to express its gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, by appointing the right leaders who have contributed immensely to the growth of the sector.
“As we celebrate this milestone, the AON also extends its profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and for consistently demonstrating an exceptional ability to put round pegs in round holes. The appointment of Festus Keyamo, SAN, is proof that when competent hands are entrusted with responsibility, the results speak for themselves. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s aviation industry is experiencing a golden era of policy clarity, institutional reforms, and global relevance unparalleled in over two decades,” it stated.
Assuring that the BAG Council Ministers will experience unparalleled achievements as Keyamo takes on the mantle of its leadership, the airline operators said, “The AON is confident that Minister Keyamo will bring the same level of innovation, excellence, and dedication to his new role at the BAG Council of Ministers, advancing regional cooperation and driving sustainable aviation development across West Africa.”
