Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo called on African foreign ministers to join the Single African Aviation Market (SAATM).
He stated this in his contribution at the plenary session on the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Declaration (YD) and the Single African Aviation Market, noting that this will advance the full implementation and operationalization of the YD and SAATM.
He explained that African foreign ministers have the responsibility to prepare the agenda for the African Union (AU) summit and therefore it is appropriate to sensitize them on the need to put the issues of the YD and SAATM at the forefront so that political decisions can be taken.
The minister said that African ministers have the responsibility to bring civil aviation to the forefront in order for African leaders to overcome the issues that are preventing the full operationalization of the YD and SAATM.
According to him, “For SAATM to work, we must not only approach African civil aviation ministers but also mobilize the African Union to lift domestic restrictions because it is African political leaders who hold the power.
The ministers Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has commended the Nigerian government for addressing outstanding funds of over $831 million tied up with foreign airlines within a short space of time under the current administration.
The commendation was presented by Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, during a welcome speech at the ongoing IATA “Wings of Change Focus Africa” event in Johannesburg on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
The Ministry’s Spokesperson, Odutayo Seyi, said Kamil highlighted the negative impact that foreign airlines and funds, especially those partnered with some countries, have had on Nigeria and commended the Nigerian government for its swift response to the issue, thereby improving the international community’s confidence in Nigeria in global civil aviation.
The IATA Wings of Change Focus Africa conference, themed “Towards a More Resilient and Sustainable African Aviation”, is Africa’s premier industry event, bringing together aviation leaders, regulators, and subject matter experts to discuss key challenges and opportunities in air transport. It starts on July 2, 2024, and ends on July 3, 2024.
