Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has appealed for international support towards Nigeria’s re-election into Part 2 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council.
Keyamo made the call during the 42nd ICAO Assembly currently taking place in Montreal, Canada. In a statement issued by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Affairs, the Minister urged delegates to back all African states endorsed by the African Union (AU), reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to ICAO’s mission of safe, secure, and sustainable global air transport.
Highlighting Nigeria’s progress in the sector, Keyamo pointed to aviation infrastructure upgrades, regulatory reforms, and capacity building initiatives undertaken by the federal government to align with international standards.
He further emphasized Nigeria’s leadership role in regional aviation oversight bodies, noting that the country hosts the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO)—where it is the largest contributor—while also supporting the Regional Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA).
On environmental sustainability, the Minister reassured delegates of Nigeria’s compliance with ICAO’s green policies. He cited the submission of the nation’s State Action Plan on carbon emissions reduction and its voluntary participation in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) as evidence of Nigeria’s commitment to greener skies.
Keyamo also commended Salvatore Sciacchiatano, ICAO Council President, Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General, the ICAO Secretariat, and the Government of Canada for successfully hosting the Assembly.
He used the platform to invite stakeholders to the upcoming Nigerian International Airshow, scheduled for December 2–4, 2025, in Abuja.
“The skies may divide our geographies, but through ICAO, they unite our goals and aspirations,” Keyamo said, stressing the need for members to continue working collectively to advance global aviation despite geographical differences.
