AON Congratulates Keyamo on Appointment as BAG Chairman

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG).

This commendation was made in an official statement jointly signed by the AON President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa, and Vice President, Dr. Allen Onyema, on Saturday in Lagos.

Mr. Keyamo was appointed Chairman of BAG during the group’s fourth ministerial meeting, held on May 22 in Abuja. The Banjul Accord Group is a coalition of seven West African nations committed to the promotion and advancement of civil aviation within the sub-region.

According to the AON, Keyamo’s appointment is a well-deserved recognition of his visionary leadership, bold reform initiatives, and unwavering commitment to the transformation of Nigeria’s aviation sector. The association described his new role as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping the future of aviation both in Africa and globally.

The statement highlighted a number of Keyamo’s achievements since assuming office, including comprehensive regulatory reforms—particularly in the area of leased aircraft insurance—and Nigeria’s active engagement with the global Aviation Working Group. These initiatives, it said, have boosted investor confidence, enhanced aircraft financing mechanisms, and improved the ease of doing business for local airline operators.

Under Keyamo’s leadership, the sector has recorded significant milestones, notably the inaugural Lagos-to-London flight by Nigerian carrier, Air Peace. Furthermore, Nigeria’s impactful participation at the Aviation Finance Conference in Dublin has cemented its status on the global aviation stage.

The AON also applauded Keyamo’s commitment to safety, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability through strategic infrastructure development. His advocacy for the full implementation of the Cape Town Convention has further elevated Nigeria’s international standing in the aviation sector.

In its message, the AON expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight and leadership in appointing capable individuals to key national positions. “Keyamo’s appointment is a testament to the positive outcomes that result when competent professionals are entrusted with national responsibilities,” the statement read.

The association concluded by expressing confidence in Keyamo’s ability to bring the same passion, innovation, and excellence to his new regional role at BAG, while reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in promoting cooperation and sustainable development in West African aviation.