The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has called for deeper collaboration between the judiciary and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to strengthen safety, security, and compliance standards within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Speaking at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Judges’ Conference held in Abuja, themed “The Role of Judges in Sustaining Nigeria’s Adherence to Applicable International Conventions in Relation to Carriage by Air,” Keyamo emphasized that aviation disputes are often technical and require judicial officers to possess not only legal expertise but also a solid understanding of aviation operations and international conventions.
“Our goal is to build a credible system anchored on safety, accountability, and justice one that earns the trust of passengers, investors, and international partners,” Keyamo stated.
The minister underscored that Nigeria must continue to align its aviation framework with global standards such as the Chicago Convention (1944) and the Montreal Convention (1999). He noted that consistent judicial interpretation of aviation laws and treaties would strengthen the nation’s credibility and demonstrate its commitment to upholding international obligations.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, commended the initiative, noting that aviation treaties and conventions only have real impact when they are properly interpreted and enforced by the courts. He urged judges to approach aviation cases with clarity and an understanding of the industry’s technical nature.
Keyamo further highlighted his ministry’s broader reform agenda, which includes deploying advanced technologies to enhance air safety oversight, tackling illegal charter operations, and improving regulatory compliance across all sectors of the aviation industry.
The conference brought together key stakeholders, including judicial officers, regulators, and aviation experts, all reaffirming their commitment to fostering a safer, more secure, and globally compliant aviation system in Nigeria.
