Keyamo Courts AfDB Support for Nigeria’s Aviation Reforms, Signs Letter of Intent in Congo
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has intensified efforts to secure continental backing for the transformation of Africa’s aviation industry after engaging top officials of the African Development Bank Group in Brazzaville, Congo.
Keyamo, who recently emerged as the African Champion of the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme (IATP) of the AfDB, participated in a high-level dialogue session with the President and Governors of the Bank, where he outlined the enormous opportunities embedded in the institution’s $7 billion aviation programme for Africa.
During the engagement held on Thursday in Brazzaville, the minister presented Nigeria’s aviation development agenda under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting reforms and investment opportunities aimed at repositioning the country as a major aviation hub on the continent.
A statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, said Keyamo used the session to unveil the Federal Government’s aviation roadmap under the Renewed Hope Agenda and explained the strategic importance of the newly approved Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company.
According to the statement, the minister urged the AfDB to mobilise financial support for the leasing company, describing it as a critical intervention capable of reducing operational challenges faced by indigenous airlines and boosting fleet acquisition within the sector.
Keyamo further argued that the proposed leasing initiative could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to strengthen their aviation industries and reduce dependence on foreign leasing arrangements.
The minister also informed the Bank that Nigeria had already laid substantial groundwork to ensure the success of the initiative.
He cited the domestication of the Cape Town Convention, the update of the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA), and reforms to aviation insurance policies to align with global standards as key measures already undertaken by the Federal Government.
The AfDB President reportedly welcomed the presentation and expressed strong commitment to the success of the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme across Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
Following the dialogue session, Keyamo formally unveiled the Country Compact for Nigeria’s aviation sector before proceeding to the signing ceremony of a Letter of Intent between the AfDB and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The agreement commits both parties to work closely towards the operationalisation of the Bank’s aviation transformation programme across the continent, with Nigeria expected to play a leading role in the implementation process.
The development is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s drive to modernise its aviation infrastructure, improve aircraft financing, attract investment, and deepen regional connectivity within Africa.
