The Federal Government has called for the swift implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market by African countries that have signed the agreement.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the appeal at the opening ceremony of the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group of States, which began on Monday in Abuja.

Keyamo emphasized the need for greater commitment to the full activation of SAATM, highlighting its potential to enhance connectivity, reduce air SAATM embodies the vision of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aiming to unlock the vast potential of seamless air connectivity across the continent.

In his welcome address, the Minister said, “I want to highlight the urgent need to implement the SAATM for the benefit of our sub-region and the entire African continent.”

He noted that the call was crucial, as progress has remained slow despite Africa’s strong political will and repeated commitments. Fragmentation, he said, continues to hinder regional integration.

Reiterating the value of air connectivity, Keyamo emphasized that it enhances the global competitiveness of cities, states, and regions—stressing that Africa must not be left behind.

“It is believed that SAATM will enhance intra-African connections and make movement of passengers and cargo smooth with minimum transit points at competitive prices.

“Achieving these requires our collective resolve not only to implement SAATM, but also to make conscious efforts to address issues of non-physical barriers, including the high cost of travel within the region” he stated.

The Minister urged member states to move beyond commitments and take coordinated, deliberate steps toward making SAATM a living reality,” he added.

He recognized the BAG as a key player in advancing SAATM and reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to the group’s mission, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, safety, and regional integration.

“Let us leave this meeting with a shared determination to elevate BAG into a true model of African aviation solidarity,” he stated.

In his remark, Nigeria’s Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo stated that the 18th Plenary Session offers a chance to reflect on shared achievements while renewing member countries’ commitment to addressing the challenges ahead.

He highlighted key issues such as infrastructure deficits, personnel shortages, emerging safety risks, and the urgent need for digital transformation in the aviation sector.

He noted that BAG continues to serve as a beacon of sub-regional cooperation, and that it was “inspiring to witness the progress we have made together in ensuring a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible air transport sector in line with the ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative by ICAO.”

Najomo stated, “Nigeria, being a driving force in the sub-regional group, remains steadfast in its fervent support for the laudable objectives of BAG and is committed to playing an active and constructive role in seeing to the realisation of such air transport sector in West Africa and beyond.

“While we chart a bold path forward for BAG in particular, and Africa & global aviation in general, let us keep our eyes on the prize – a safe, secure, and unified aviation sector in West Africa.”

The Head of the BAG Secretariat and Director General of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, Fansu Bojang, emphasized the need for greater efforts to unlock the full potential of the sub-region.