Keyamo unveiled as one of Africa’s top four aviators

At the ongoing IATA Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has named Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as one of Africa’s four most prominent aviation leaders. The recognition was announced by IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, who commended […]

At the ongoing IATA Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has named Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as one of Africa’s four most prominent aviation leaders.

The recognition was announced by IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, who commended Keyamo’s leadership, policy direction, and reform-driven approach to repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector.

According to Alawadhi, Keyamo’s efforts in strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving compliance with global standards, and driving investor confidence have placed Nigeria on a strong growth trajectory.

He highlighted the country’s implementation of the Cape Town Convention and IDERA framework, alongside Nigeria’s 91.4 percent score in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety oversight, as key milestones.

“This recognition reflects purposeful leadership, bold reforms, and measurable progress. Nigeria’s aviation sector is clearly on a transformative path,” Alawadhi said.

Other aviation leaders named in the top four include Teresia Mbaika Malokwe, Principal Secretary, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Kenya; Poppy Khosa, Director of Civil Aviation and CEO of the South African Civil Aviation Authority; and Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines.

IATA said the recognition reflects its commitment to celebrating excellence, innovation, and impactful leadership across Africa’s aviation industry.

 

Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser On Media and Communications to the Minister in a statement said “Keyamo’s inclusion underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in continental aviation, driven by reforms focused on safety, connectivity, and operational efficiency.”