Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Global Aviation Standards At ICAO Conference In Doha

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIArb (UK), has reaffirmed the country’s dedication to global air transport standards and facilitation protocols during his address at the ongoing 2025 ICAO Facilitation (FAL) Conference in Doha, Qatar.

According to Tunde Moshood, the special adviser on Media and communications to the honourable Minister, he made the commitment while speaking alongside top global aviation leaders, including Qatar’s Minister of Transport, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani; President of the ICAO Council, Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano; and ICAO Secretary General, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, Keyamo highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in aviation compliance across Africa.

“Let me extend warm greetings from our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and the people of Nigeria,” Keyamo began, thanking both the Government of Qatar and ICAO for organizing the conference, which focuses on strengthening international cooperation in aviation.

The Minister underscored Nigeria’s active role in the ICAO since joining its Council in 1962, citing the country’s ratification of international air law instruments such as the Montreal Protocol and updates to the Chicago Convention.

Keyamo noted that Nigeria has emerged as a leading African nation in adhering to global aviation standards. This achievement, he said, is due to a strong regulatory framework and a highly skilled aviation workforce.

He also outlined recent reforms under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the endorsement of the Cape Town Convention and a Practice Direction on the deregistration of leased aircraft. These changes led to Nigeria’s Aviation Working Group (AWG) Compliance Index rising from 49.5% to 70.5% in 2024. Further progress came with the signing of the IDERA protocol in December 2024, pushing the index to 75.5% and elevating Nigeria to the AWG’s “High” compliance category.

“This milestone has significantly boosted aircraft accessibility and investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector,” he said.

Keyamo also highlighted advancements in border security through the implementation of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems via a Public-Private Partnership. These technologies, along with the rollout of e-Gates at Nigeria’s international airports, are aimed at streamlining passenger processing, improving data collection, and enhancing national security.

In addition, Nigeria has partnered with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) to enhance the use of AP/PNR data in national security and law enforcement efforts.

Concluding his speech, Keyamo expressed Nigeria’s full support for the Doha Declaration on the Facilitation of International Air Transport and emphasized the country’s readiness to collaborate with global partners in building a more connected and resilient aviation system.

The ICAO Facilitation Conference continues this week in Doha, drawing aviation stakeholders from around the world to discuss the future of seamless, secure, and efficient global air travel.