The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced on Wednesday that Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has been named one of Africa’s four leading aviators. The accolade was presented by IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, during a plenary session of the IATA Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Alawadhi highlighted Keyamo’s “cutting‑edge policy direction, strategic reforms and unwavering commitment to global aviation standards” as the basis for the recognition. He pointed to Nigeria’s effective implementation of the Cape Town Convention, the IDERA framework and the country’s recent 91.4 % safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as evidence of substantial progress.
The IATA vice‑president added that Keyamo’s proactive engagement with international stakeholders and swift resolution of longstanding industry challenges have boosted investor confidence and operational stability in Nigeria’s aviation sector. He described the recognition as a testament to “purposeful leadership, bold reforms and measurable progress.”
Three other officials were honored alongside Keyamo: Teresia Malokwe, Principal Secretary, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Kenya; Poppy Khosa, Director of Civil Aviation/CEO of the South African Civil Aviation Authority; and Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines.
Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, said the award underscores Nigeria’s rising profile as a driver of aviation transformation on the continent. Moshood noted that Keyamo’s tenure has been marked by clear policy, international collaboration and decisive actions that position the sector for sustainable growth.
The IATA Focus Africa Conference, themed “Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity and Operational Efficiency in Africa,” serves as a platform for shaping the continent’s aviation future. The event follows Nigeria’s recent ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) assessment, which gave the country a 91.4 % safety rating—one of its highest scores since 1960. The audit, a follow‑up to the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) of 2023, evaluated all Nigerian aviation agencies and airlines, confirming compliance with international safety standards.
President Bola Tinubu praised the rating, calling it “impressive” and affirming that it strengthens Nigeria’s attractiveness for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities and airline operations. The IATA recognition and the ICAO rating together highlight significant strides in African aviation governance and underscore the sector’s continuing evolution.
