Hon. Minister Keyamo Showcases Reforms as Nigeria Charts New Strides in Global Aviation at ICAO Conference in Doha. By Raymond Enoch.
Nigeria’s aviation sector took center stage this week as the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIArb (UK), reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to global air transport standards at the 2025 ICAO Facilitation (FAL) Conference, currently underway in Doha.
Before a high-level gathering of global aviation stakeholders—including Qatar’s Minister of Transport, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani; ICAO Council President Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano; and ICAO Secretary General Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar—Keyamo spoke with clarity and conviction about Nigeria’s forward-looking policies and growing influence in international aviation affairs.
“On behalf of our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and the people of Nigeria, I bring you warm greetings and deep appreciation to ICAO and the Qatari government for hosting this significant event,” he began, setting a tone of diplomacy and shared purpose.
Keyamo highlighted Nigeria’s historic role within ICAO since joining the council in 1962, underscoring the country’s active contributions, especially within the African continent. More recently, he said, Nigeria has made measurable strides in aligning with international aviation law through the ratification of instruments like the Montreal Protocol and updates to the Chicago Convention.
“Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s leader in compliance with global aviation standards,” he proudly declared. “This achievement stems from our robust regulatory framework and the professionalism of our aviation workforce.”
Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria has implemented sweeping reforms that are gaining global recognition. The Minister cited the endorsement of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) and a landmark Practice Direction on deregistration and export of leased aircraft, which led to Nigeria’s Aviation Working Group (AWG) Compliance Index rising sharply from 49.5% to 70.5% in 2024.
The signing of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) later that year is projected to push Nigeria’s score to 75.5%, lifting the country into the AWG’s prestigious “High” compliance category and removing it from the watchlist altogether. These advancements are seen as major steps in making Nigeria an attractive hub for international aviation investments.
A key highlight of Keyamo’s address was Nigeria’s leap into digital border security. Through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the government has implemented Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems, designed to streamline entry protocols, bolster security, and enhance data analysis.
Nigeria has also rolled out electronic gates (e-Gates) at international airports to simplify clearance for travelers with biometric passports. The Minister described this as “a cornerstone in building seamless and secure airport operations.”
In collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Nigeria is also participating in capacity-building programs focused on optimizing the use of AP/PNR data for national security.
As the global community gathers in Doha to shape the next phase of international aviation, Keyamo pledged Nigeria’s full support for the Doha Declaration on the Facilitation of International Air Transport.
“Nigeria stands ready to support and align with innovative technologies and policies that promote seamless, secure, and efficient aviation operations,” he concluded, cementing the country’s role as a critical player in the international aviation landscape.
With its clear trajectory toward innovation, compliance, and international collaboration, Nigeria is not just participating in global aviation conversations—it is taking a lead at such a global engagement.
