Nigerian Senator Akobundu Vows Stronger Aviation Safety Laws as Nigeria Hosts Banjul Accord Summit in Abuja
In a bold legislative pledge at the International Aviation Summit, Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central, declared the Nigerian Senate’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the country’s aviation safety and security frameworks in line with global standards.
Speaking on Monday, 20th May 2025, during the 18th Plenary Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) held in Abuja, Senator Akobundu highlighted the Senate’s renewed focus on aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) standards and best practices.
“From the legislative perspective, we will focus on the following: (a) Enhanced regulatory frameworks for safety and security (b) Improved oversight and compliance with ICAO standards and best practices,” Akobundu said while presenting his paper at the summit.
The senator stressed that a safer and more secure airspace is not only critical for Nigeria but also for its regional and international aviation partners. His remarks echoed the summit’s broader agenda of promoting harmonised and collaborative approaches to aviation development across Africa.
Also speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, urged African countries to adopt the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). According to him, implementing SAATM would significantly boost air connectivity across the continent, reduce transit times for passengers, and open up a host of economic opportunities.
The Banjul Accord Group, established in January 2004, aims to harmonise civil aviation policies and foster international aviation cooperation among its member states. The 18th plenary session saw the participation of key aviation stakeholders and representatives from member countries, including Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Nigeria’s hosting of the summit in Abuja underlines its strategic role in shaping the future of African aviation and its commitment to regional integration in line with ICAO objectives.
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