IATA Lauds Nigeria’s Aviation Safety Milestone, Declares Keyamo One of Africa’s Foremost Aviators
The Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Kamil Alawadhi, has commended Nigeria for its progress in aviation safety, describing the country as a model of purposeful leadership and reform within Africa’s aviation space.
Speaking at the ongoing IATA Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Alawadhi praised Nigeria’s recent achievement of a 91.5% score in the ICAO safety audit, noting that the milestone reflects a deliberate commitment to aviation safety.
“We are not talking Switzerland here; we are talking about Nigeria, a country on purpose. They are taking aviation safety seriously, and the new score of 91.5% is a testament to that commitment,” he said.
Alawadhi attributed this progress to strong leadership and proactive engagement by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
“I am not surprised. The Minister called me even before he fully settled into office. Within just a few months, he facilitated the unblocking of over $850 million in trapped airline funds. That level of responsiveness is commendable,” he added.
He noted that such actions build confidence among international airlines and strengthen the credibility of Nigeria’s aviation sector globally.
Alawadhi reiterated that safety remains a cornerstone of aviation development, aligning with the conference theme: “Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity and Operational Efficiency in Africa.”
According to him, Nigeria’s performance demonstrates how political will, regulatory compliance, and industry collaboration can deliver measurable results.
At a special session of the conference, IATA recognised Keyamo as one of Africa’s four most prominent aviators. The announcement underscored continental recognition of the Minister’s leadership and reforms.
Alawadhi cited Keyamo’s policy direction, strategic reforms, and commitment to global aviation standards as the basis for the recognition. He also highlighted Nigeria’s effective administration of the Cape Town Convention and IDERA framework, alongside its strong ICAO safety audit performance, which positions the country among Africa’s leading aviation nations.
“This recognition reflects purposeful leadership, bold reforms, and measurable progress. Nigeria’s aviation sector is clearly on a transformative path,” he said.
Also named among Africa’s top aviators are Teresia Mbaika Malokwe, Principal Secretary, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Kenya; Poppy Khosa, Director of Civil Aviation/CEO, South African Civil Aviation Authority; and Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines.
The recognition reflects IATA’s commitment to celebrating excellence, innovation, and impactful leadership across Africa’s aviation landscape. Keyamo’s inclusion reinforces Nigeria’s rising profile as a driver of aviation transformation on the continent.
In his remarks, Keyamo called for stronger collaboration among African nations to advance aviation safety, enhance connectivity, and improve operational efficiency.
Delivering a goodwill message at the conference, he said Africa stands at a defining moment in its aviation evolution, with vast untapped potential despite its relatively small share of global air traffic.
“Africa, with a population of over 1.4 billion people and a growing middle class, presents immense opportunities for aviation growth. The gap in global air traffic share is not a limitation, but an opportunity for expansion and innovation,” he said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regulatory frameworks, complying with global best practices, and deepening collaboration with international partners.
On connectivity, Keyamo stressed the need to improve intra-African air links to boost trade, tourism, and regional integration, in line with frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). He called for the removal of barriers, harmonisation of policies, and full implementation of open skies initiatives.
On operational efficiency, he highlighted infrastructure modernisation, digital transformation, improved air navigation services, and streamlined regulations as key drivers of competitiveness.
“Efficiency is not only about reducing costs; it is about improving passenger experience and positioning African aviation to compete globally,” he added.
The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to partnerships that will accelerate sustainable aviation growth and urged stakeholders to prioritise actionable outcomes from conference deliberations.
He also commended Ethiopian Airlines for sponsoring the event and thanked the Government of Ethiopia for its hospitality.
The IATA Focus Africa Conference continues to serve as a platform for advancing dialogue and shaping policies to transform Africa’s aviation sector.
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