Nigeria reinforced its commitment to continental aviation integration on Monday as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led a high-level delegation to the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Togo, where former President Olusegun Obasanjo was formally received at the gathering.
The convention has brought together aviation policymakers, regulators, industry executives and development partners from across Africa to advance discussions on air transport connectivity, regional integration and sustainable aviation growth.
Obasanjo’s participation added significant political and diplomatic weight to the event, reflecting his long-standing support for initiatives aimed at strengthening Africa’s economic integration through improved transportation, trade and tourism links.
Also attending the convention are President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and other prominent African leaders and stakeholders involved in shaping the future of the continent’s aviation industry.
Nigeria’s delegation included key aviation figures such as Mrs. Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC); Captain Juan “Boyo” Olubodun, Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Ambassador for West Africa; and Captain Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that enhanced air connectivity remains critical to unlocking economic opportunities across the continent.
He noted that Nigeria would continue to collaborate with African governments, aviation institutions and industry stakeholders to promote policies that strengthen regional air transport, improve infrastructure, attract investment and facilitate the seamless movement of passengers and cargo.
The minister’s participation at the convention also comes amid growing continental efforts to modernise Africa’s aviation ecosystem through strategic initiatives, including the African Development Bank-backed aviation transformation programme designed to improve connectivity, safety oversight and investment across the sector.
The African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 continues with a series of high-level meetings, technical sessions and bilateral engagements focused on accelerating the development of a more integrated, competitive and globally connected African aviation industry.
