Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The African Development Bank has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as Champion of its Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP), a $7 billion initiative aimed at modernising the continent’s aviation sector.
The appointment, according to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood,, on Wednesday, was announced ahead of the Bank’s Annual Meeting in Brazzaville scheduled for May 28, 2026, was attributed to Nigeria’s “leadership and vision” in implementing policy reforms targeted at transforming the country’s aviation industry.
As part of the event, a formal Letter of Intent (LOI) between Nigeria and the AfDB is expected to be signed, signalling the country’s participation in the programme.
According to the Bank, the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa is designed as a continent-wide platform to attract private, institutional, and concessional funding into Africa’s aviation ecosystem.
The programme seeks to reposition the sector, noting that African airlines currently account for less than three per cent of global air traffic despite the continent representing nearly 18 per cent of the world’s population.
The AfDB said Keyamo’s appointment reflects confidence in his commitment and drive to advance aviation development across Africa.
The Bank also expressed appreciation to the minister for his contributions toward strengthening the aviation industry on the continent.
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