Nigeria has solidified its leadership in African aviation with the re-election of Adefunke Adeyemi as Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC). The announcement was made during the 35th Ordinary Plenary Session held in Brazzaville, Congo, where Adeyemi secured 22 votes in favor and seven against.
Adeyemi’s re-election was bolstered by the strategic diplomatic efforts of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who engaged extensively with African Union member states to rally support. Keyamo described the victory as a win not just for Nigeria but for Africa’s aviation sector, emphasizing her innovative leadership in transforming AFCAC’s operations.
Since her appointment in July 2022, Adeyemi has championed initiatives to enhance air transport safety, foster cross-border collaboration, and promote sustainable growth. Under her leadership, AFCAC has advanced the goals of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), aiming to improve connectivity, efficiency, and competitiveness among 37 member states.
The election process adhered strictly to AFCAC’s Rules of Procedure, overseen by a diverse Election Commission to ensure transparency and fairness.
As the specialized aviation agency of the African Union, AFCAC plays a crucial role in implementing the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and driving a unified African air transport market. With this renewed mandate, Adeyemi is poised to continue positioning Africa as a leader in global aviation innovation.
Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing AFCAC’s mission, saying, “This victory reflects our shared vision for a robust, integrated, and competitive aviation industry across Africa.”
