The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led Nigeria’s delegation to engage with global aviation leaders at the International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) 2025 event held in the Dominican Republic on Monday.
The minister highlighted that Nigeria attended the event to pursue productive negotiations that benefit the country’s aviation sector and to showcase its growing role in global aviation diplomacy.
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.
The statement noted that the annual ICAN conference, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), is the world’s largest forum for bilateral and multilateral air services negotiations, running from November 10 to 14.
Nigeria’s aviation sector is currently in a relaunch phase, as operators and handlers begin capitalising on the renewed trust of global stakeholders and lessors. Following the signing of the Cape Town Convention, the first dry-leased aircraft arrived in Nigeria last week, attracting international interest in doing business with local aviation operators.
Nigeria has also been reviewing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) and discussing Memoranda of Understanding with several countries. The ICAN2025 meeting presents an opportunity to secure more dry-leased aircraft and other strategic benefits for Nigerian operators.
Key discussions during the event included:
- “Nigeria–South Africa: South Africa requested fifth freedom traffic rights and sought approval for a second designated flag carrier, Airlink, to operate the Cape Town-Lagos route alongside South African Airways.
- “Nigeria–Scandinavia: Delegations from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark agreed to exchange Air Service Agreement documents for further review.
- “Nigeria–Hong Kong and Tanzania: Talks focused on strengthening existing BASAs to boost connectivity and investment opportunities.”
On the sidelines, Keyamo stressed Nigeria’s dedication to expanding international aviation partnerships, increasing market access for its carriers, and leveraging aviation to drive trade, tourism, and economic growth.
“Nigeria’s participation in ICAN2025 demonstrates our dedication to positioning our nation as a serious global player in aviation.
“We are building sustainable relationships that open new frontiers for our airlines and create pathways for mutual prosperity,” he said.
Keyamo’s delegation included Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Ahmed Mohammed, Director of Air Transport Management; Sarah Okunade, Director of Legal at the Ministry of Aviation; and Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.
Senior airline executives such as Toyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, and Charles Ararume, CFO of Arik Air, were also part of the delegation.
At the opening ceremony, Dominican Republic President Luis Rodolfo Corona and outgoing ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano highlighted the importance of cooperation, sustainability, and equitable growth in shaping the future of global aviation.