AfDB Hails Nigeria as Aviation Reform Champion in Africa

The African Development Bank (African Development Bank) has commended Nigeria for its leadership role in advancing aviation reforms across the continent, describing the country as a key driver of Africa’s aviation transformation agenda.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been formally installed as African Champion of the $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP).

The announcement was made during the AfDB Annual Meeting in Brazzaville, where the bank praised Nigeria’s vision under the administration of President Bola Tinubu and its aviation policy reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The IATP is a continent-wide initiative aimed at modernizing Africa’s aviation ecosystem, mobilizing private and institutional investment, and addressing the imbalance where African airlines account for less than 3% of global air traffic despite the continent’s large population share.

During the dialogue, Keyamo highlighted Nigeria’s newly approved aircraft leasing company as a model for other African countries to adopt in strengthening their aviation sectors.

The AfDB reiterated its commitment to ensuring the success of the programme, with Nigeria playing a central role in its implementation across Africa.