Keyamo Assumes Leadership of Banjul Accord Group Ministers

Samuel Mobolaji

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) States.

According Mr toTunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in a statement said his appointment was announced during the 4th Meeting of the BAG Council of Ministers, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria.

The BAG Council of Ministers comprises Ministers of Transport and Aviation from seven West African member states: Nigeria, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The special session was graced by the attendance of high-ranking delegates, including: Dr. Jose Luis S.A. Nogueira – Minister of Transport, Cabo Verde, Hon. Ebrima Sillah – Minister of Transport, The Gambia, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe – Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ghana.

Others are Hon. Ousmane Gaoual Diallo – Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Guinea, Hon. Sirleaf Ralph Tyler – Minister of Transport, Liberia and Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay – Minister of Transport and Aviation, Sierra Leone

As Chairman, Nigeria’s Aviation Minister is expected to provide strategic leadership to the Council in driving regional cooperation, harmonisation of aviation policies, and the implementation of key initiatives aimed at enhancing air transport safety, efficiency, and development in the BAG region.

The Banjul Accord Group was established to foster sub-regional cooperation and collaboration in the development of safe and sustainable civil aviation systems in West Africa, in line with ICAO standards and recommended practices.

The Abuja meeting also featured high-level discussions on shared air transport challenges, capacity building, infrastructure development, and regional air connectivity.

The appointment of Minister Keyamo is expected to usher in a renewed era of dynamism and progress for BAG member states.