The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, on Monday led a high-level Nigerian delegation to welcome former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, at the ongoing African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Republic of Togo.
The continental aviation gathering has drawn leading policymakers, regulators, industry executives, and development partners from across Africa, with discussions centred on improving air connectivity, deepening regional integration, and advancing sustainable aviation growth.
Former President Obasanjo’s presence at the summit was highlighted as a symbol of his continued advocacy for African economic integration and the development of aviation as a key driver of trade, tourism, and cross-border investment.
Also in attendance were prominent African leaders, including President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, alongside senior aviation officials and stakeholders from across the continent.
Nigeria’s delegation underscored the country’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s aviation future. Key members included Mrs. Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC); Captain Juan “Boyo” Olubodun, SAATM Ambassador for the Western Region; and Captain Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), among others.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Minister Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing air connectivity as central to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
He stressed that Nigeria would continue to collaborate with African partners and aviation institutions to strengthen policy coordination, improve infrastructure, attract investment, and enhance the movement of people and goods across the continent.
The African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 continues with technical sessions, bilateral meetings, and high-level engagements aimed at accelerating the transformation of Africa’s aviation sector into a more integrated and globally competitive system.
