IATA names Festus Keyamo among Africa’s top aviators, citing reforms and rising investor confidence in Nigeria aviation sector
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been named among Africa’s top four most prominent aviators by the International Air Transport Association at its ongoing conference in Addis Ababa.
The recognition was announced during a special session at the IATA Focus Africa Conference by the association’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi.
Alawadhi said the honour is in recognition of the minister’s leadership and reform agenda in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This recognition reflects purposeful leadership, bold reforms, and measurable progress. Nigeria’s aviation sector is clearly on a transformative path,” he stated.
He pointed to Nigeria’s administration of the Cape Town Convention and the IDERA framework, as well as the country’s 91.4% score in International Civil Aviation Organization safety oversight, as key factors behind the recognition.
According to him, the minister’s engagement with global stakeholders and efforts to resolve long-standing industry issues have improved investor confidence and operational stability.
The association also named Teresia Mbaika Malokwe, Poppy Khosa and Mesfin Tasew among the continent’s top aviation leaders.
The recognition, IATA said, shows its commitment to promoting excellence, innovation and strong leadership across Africa’s aviation sector.