Nigeria continues to support liberalisation of air transport in Africa
Capt.Musa Nuhu
Nigeria has continued to support the liberalization of air transport not only in the ECOWAS region,but Africa at large.
At the 23rd Yamoussoukro Decision Day held in Dakar, Senegal in 2022, Nigeria signed a commitment for the implementation of SAATM – Pilot Implementation Project (SAATM-PIP) and further in conjunction with AFCAC, hosted the first ever SAATM-PIP roadshow in Africa in April, 2023.
Director General Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,Capt.Musa Nuhu stated this in his welcome address at the 24th anniversary of Yamoussoukro Decision Day event at Abuja.
He said that the successful road show was to facilitate the full implementation of YD/SAATM in Africa wherein Nigeria has appointed a focal point to serve as a Facilitator for SAATM-PIP.
The appointed Facilitator is responsible for providing AFCAC, the Executing Agency of YD/SAATM, information to complete the audit and to directly update information through the YD/SAATM Monitoring Online Tool or the State’s SAATM Dashboard portal.
According to him,Nigeria’s commitment to the full liberalization of YD/SAATM cannot be overemphasized.
“ While Nigeria has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AFCAC for tracking and monitoring the full implementation of YD/SAATM, she is also in the process of setting up a National Implementation Committee that would include various relevant stakeholders to enable further discussion that would facilitate the full implementation of YD/SAATM in Nigeria.”
Furthermore,he said, Nigeria during the last ICAO Air Service Negotiation Event (ICAN2022) held in Abuja in December 2022, negotiated Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) with some African Countries that are signatory to SAATM based on the AFCAC YD – Compliant Air Services Agreement (ASA) template.
. This was done to promote 5th Freedom Traffic penetration, stimulate market growth, remove or reduce impediments to the full and sustainable implementation of SAATM as well as ensure collaboration between States and the aviation Industry.
It is worthy to note that this year’s Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) Week will afford States in identifying the status of implementation of the YD/SAATM while encouraging Member States and all partner to join hands in the implementation of SAATM.
The YD Week will also encourage African Airlines to take full advantage of the benefits of SAATM and expand their operations across Africa
It is hoped that the week would further inspire Members states that have not joined SAATM to do so without conditions to enable them proceed with the accelerated implementation of SAATM.
“I am so delighted with the number of high-level personalities that have joined Nigeria today at this historic occasionof 24th Yamoussoukro Decision Day Anniversary Week. Your presence at this event has resonated the importance of SAATM initiative to the growth and development of air transport in Africa, and its potential to enhance air connectivity in Africa.”
“The theme of this event “African Wants to Fly” is quite unique as it celebrates the soaring aspirations and boundless potential of the African continent in the world of aviation.”
“ Our journey has not been without challenges, but it is attainable and borne out of the desire to address the challenges of air travel in Africa as well as eliminating to the barest minimum, any impediments, to the full and a sustainable implementation of YD/SAATM.”
“As most of you are aware, air connectivity is an asset, which improves the global competitiveness of cities, States and regions. Increased air connectivity brings concrete value by making trips shorter with optimal user satisfaction at minimum prices.”
“We know that YD/SAATM would enhance connectivity by removing barriers and restrictions on air travel between African countries. This would lead to more direct flights, increased frequency, and improved routes, making movement of passengers and cargo easier and smoother with minimum transit points at competitive prices”
“. Achieving successful implementation of SAATM therefore, require our collect resolve and effective collaboration as well as commitment to address challenges and other non-physical barriers such as high cost of travel, regulatory harmonization, infrastructure development, and the enforcement of safety standards within the African continent.”
“ would like to remind us this morning that the desired objectives of YD/SAATM include the need to support Africa’s social, economic, and political integration as well as boost infra-African trade and tourism in accordance with the African Union Agenda 2063”.
“SAATM is a catalyst for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement through the movement of people and goods across the continent. Both are flagship programs of AU Agenda 2063”
In concluding my remarks, I wish to thank the Chairman of the African Union, HE Moussa Faki Mahamat and the Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission, Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, for organizing this annual anniversary that celebrates Yamoussoukro Decision Day. The impressive participation that we witness here today is a testament of our collective commitment for the full implementation of YD/SAATM in Africa.Capt.Nuhu said.
