_Minister recognised in Addis Ababa for “purposeful leadership, bold reforms”; joins Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopian Airlines chiefs on elite list_
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — May 1, 2026
The International Air Transport Association has unveiled Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, as one of Africa’s top four most prominent aviators, citing his “cutting-edge policy direction, strategic reforms, and unwavering commitment to global aviation standards.”
The announcement was made Tuesday at a special session of the ongoing IATA Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa by Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.
“This recognition reflects purposeful leadership, bold reforms, and measurable progress. Nigeria’s aviation sector is clearly on a transformative path,” Alawadhi said while unveiling the four honourees.
*Why Keyamo Made the List*
Alawadhi specifically highlighted Nigeria’s effective administration of the Cape Town Convention and IDERA framework, as well as the country’s “impressive 91.4% score in ICAO safety oversight, positioning Nigeria among the leading aviation nations in Africa.”
He added that the Minister’s “proactive engagement with global stakeholders and swift resolution of longstanding industry challenges have significantly improved investor confidence and operational stability within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.”
The Cape Town Convention and IDERA protocols are global legal frameworks that protect aircraft lessors and financiers, making it easier for airlines to acquire planes. Nigeria’s full compliance has been a major demand of foreign lessors for years.
*The Other Three Honourees*
Also named among Africa’s top prominent aviators were:
1. *Teresia Mbaika Malokwe*, Principal Secretary, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Kenya;
2. *Poppy Khosa*, Director of Civil Aviation/CEO, South African Civil Aviation Authority, recently reappointed for a second five-year term; and
3. *Mesfin Tasew*, Group Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines.
“The recognition of these distinguished aviation leaders reflects IATA’s commitment to celebrating excellence, innovation, and impactful leadership across Africa’s aviation landscape,” the association said.
*“Policy Clarity, International Collaboration”*
According to the press release issued by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister, Keyamo’s inclusion “further reinforces Nigeria’s rising profile as a key driver of aviation transformation on the continent.”
“His leadership has been marked by policy clarity, international collaboration, and decisive actions that continue to reposition Nigeria’s aviation industry for sustainable growth,” the statement read.
Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was appointed Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023. Since then, he has pushed for full domestication of international air law treaties, cleared trapped airline funds, and engaged directly with ICAO and IATA on audits and safety upgrades.
*Focus Africa Conference*
The ongoing Focus Africa Conference, themed “Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity and Operational Efficiency in Africa,” continues this week in Addis Ababa. The event serves as a strategic platform for airlines, regulators, and governments to shape the future of aviation across the continent.
Nigeria’s 91.4% ICAO safety oversight score, cited by IATA, is one of the highest in Africa and comes after recent audits of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and related agencies.
The recognition comes as Nigeria seeks to position its airlines for more international routes and attract leasing deals under the Cape Town Convention framework that Keyamo’s ministry has prioritized.
