Nigeria to partner ICAO on air safety, efficiency

The Federal Government has said that it will work closely with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other stakeholders to advance safety in aviation sector.

Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said this on Wednesday at the ICAO’s first-ever symposium on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM 2024) in Montréal, Canada.

A statement on the on-going event was made available to newsmen in Abuja, by Mr Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister

According to the statement, Keyamo said the federal government would partner relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient, and environmentally sustainable integration in the national aviation system.

The minister said the symposium themed “Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Global Harmonisation and Interoperability: Challenges and Opportunities.” provided numerous networking and bilateral engagement opportunities

Specifically, he said Nigeria had bilateral engagement opportunities with exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies, ongoing research, and commercial activities in the rapidly evolving AAM sector.

“This symposium is timely and presents an important opportunity for Nigeria and other nations to learn from each other’s experiences as we navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities presented by Advanced Air Mobility.

“It is a groundbreaking event built on the developments of ICAO’s drone enable program.

“The symposium focuses on innovative concepts in the emerging field of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

“The innovative concepts included, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, vertiports, automation, airspace integration, and a trust framework for these new technologies,” he said.

Keyamo, said the meeting also explored challenges and opportunities that came with the new mobility concepts and infrastructure.

In the minister’s team were, Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and representatives from Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and key industry players.

Notable international attendees include Ministers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, and Ghana, alongside Director-Generals and leading industry figures from around the globe.