The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) has announced Nigeria’s ambitious plan to become a continental leader in modern airspace management through cutting edge digital transformation.
Keyamo made the announcement on Tuesday when he declared open the Global Aeronautical Information Conference (AIM) at Transcop Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The three-day conference, which began on May 27, has brought together aviation experts from across the world to discuss innovations that will shape the future of aeronautical data and flight safety.
Under the theme “Digital Transformation and Resilience in Aeronautical Information Management,” the Minister emphasised that Nigeria is not just participating in the global shift toward technological advancement in aviation but is positioning itself at the forefront of this revolution.
“Aeronautical Information Management is no longer a support function; it is now a strategic enabler. In this digital age, the integrity, accessibility, and timeliness of aeronautical data define the safety and efficiency of every flight operation. Nigeria has not only embraced this reality, we are determined to lead it”, he stated.
The Minister revealed startling statistics on aviation safety, noting that over 50% of air accidents in Africa have been linked to deficiencies in aeronautical information management, saying it is not acceptable.
“With the right technology, collaboration, and policy enforcement, we can drastically reduce these incidents. Nigeria is committed to setting the standard for the continent by adopting advanced systems that eliminate human error and ensure real-time data accuracy.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister outlined key achievements, including the clearance of over $800 million in trapped airline funds, a move that has restored confidence among international carriers. He also announced a landmark partnership with Boeing to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, which will enhance regional self-sufficiency in aircraft maintenance.
Further strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Fly Nigeria Act now mandates that all government-funded travel must use domestic carriers, boosting local airlines and reducing capital flight. Additionally, the suspension of the Nigeria Air project was reaffirmed as a necessary step to protect national interests and ensure transparency in the industry.
He said the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has made significant strides, achieving ISO 9001 certification for AIM services, modernising Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) systems, and upgrading aeronautical data infrastructure in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s Global Air Navigation Platform.
According to the minister, these improvements have positioned Nigeria as Africa’s leader in aviation ease of doing business, with Cape Town Convention compliance jumping from 49% to 70%—a development that has attracted global aircraft lessors and investors.
On the international stage, Nigeria’s influence continues to grow, with the Minister currently serving as Chairman of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) Council of Ministers, reinforcing the country’s role in shaping regional aviation policies.
Looking ahead, the Minister stressed the importance of integrating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and System Wide Information Management (SWIM) into AIM systems to enhance safety and operational efficiency. However, he emphasized that such transformation cannot be achieved in isolation. “This is a collaborative journey,” he said. “Nigeria is open to partnerships, knowledge exchange, and strategic alliances to ensure that no nation is left behind in this digital evolution.”
The conference, supported by ICAO, IFAIMA, and Nigerian regulatory bodies including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), serves as a platform for global stakeholders to share best practices and develop actionable strategies for the future of air navigation.
In his closing remarks, the Minister urged participants to seize the opportunity for meaningful change: “Let this conference ignite innovation, foster dialogue, and drive the transformative progress that global aviation deserves.” With Nigeria taking bold steps toward digital resilience in aeronautical management, the country is poised to set a new benchmark for safety and efficiency in African skies.
The event continues through May 29, with in-depth discussions on cybersecurity, AI integration, and sustainable aviation solutions expected to shape the next phase of global airspace modernization.
Discussion about this post