Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been named the new chairperson of the West Africa Banjul Accord Group (BAG). This group brings together aviation ministers from several West African countries.

Keyamo confirmed his new role on his official X account on Thursday, sharing the news with the public. He takes over from Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fandey Turay.

According to Keyamo, his appointment is a result of Nigeria’s strong and innovative aviation policies under President Bola Tinubu. He said this during the ongoing BAG meeting held in Abuja.

The announcement also highlights Nigeria’s important role in improving air travel across the West African region.

The Banjul Accord Group was formed in 2004 when seven West African countries signed an agreement to work together on aviation safety and development. The member countries are Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

The group’s main goal is to promote safe and efficient use of civil aviation within these countries.

At the meeting in Abuja, Keyamo urged fellow ministers to prepare for increased investments in aviation infrastructure. He said it is important to build better facilities and systems to ensure air travel is safe, secure, and environmentally friendly.

Keyamo emphasized that member states should work harder to make civil aviation more sustainable and effective for the future.