Nigeria has once again reiterated its commitment to the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Nigeria said that enhanced air connectivity was a major driver of economic growth, trade and regional integration across the continent.

A statement yesterday by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Tunde Moshood, said that the minister made the commitment on Monday on the sidelines of the ongoing African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026, in Lomé, Republic of Togo.

Keyamo assured that Nigeria was committed to working closely with other African nations and aviation institutions to promote policies and partnerships that would strengthen air transport, improve infrastructure, attract investment and facilitate the seamless movement of people and goods across Africa.

According to him, improved air connectivity was essential to unlocking the vast economic potential of the continent and achieving the objectives of regional integration under both SAATM and AfCFTA.

Keyamo also led a high-level Nigerian delegation to formally welcome former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the event.

The convention brought together aviation policymakers, regulators, airline operators, industry leaders and development partners from across Africa to discuss strategies for advancing air transport connectivity, sustainable aviation development and regional integration.

Also, at the convention are President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé; President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and other prominent leaders and stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

Other Nigeria’s delegations are the Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Adefunke Adeyemi; the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Ambassador for West Africa, Captain Juan “Boyo” Olubodun and the Director-General Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo.