According to Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Cape Town Convention (CTC) offers investors and financiers a glimmer of hope that African legal systems are dependable, with stable markets, and that governments are dedicated to best practices in aviation asset management and protection.
Additionally, the issuance of a Federal High Court Practice Direction to direct Nigeria’s application of the Cape Town Convention in 2024 resulted in a notable improvement in the country’s Cape Town Convention Compliance Index, rising from 49 percent to 75.5 percent in a single year, placing it among the high-compliance nations worldwide “and demonstrated our government’s commitment to the rule of law and to transparency in aviation transactions,” according to Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA.
At the 2025 Africa-Wide Cape Town Convention (CTC) Conference in Abuja, the two gave a speech on Tuesday.
The minister, who was represented by Mrs. Anastasia Gbem of the NCAA, stated that 28 African nations have ratified the Convention, indicating a continental recognition that the CTC is not only a legal instrument but also a catalyst for aviation growth, economic transformation, and connectivity throughout Africa. The minister pointed out that for Africa, where the cost of capital continues to be one of the biggest obstacles to fleet expansion and maintenance, the CTC presents a beacon of signals to investors.
Regarding Nigeria’s dedication and advancement, Keyamo stated that the aviation industry in the nation is still developing with an unwavering determination to conform to global norms.
With the signing and implementation of the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) process and Practice Direction, Nigeria’s compliance score with the Cape Town Convention has increased from 70.5% to 75.5%.
This enhancement is a testament to our government’s steadfast dedication to putting the Convention into operation and in its entirety. With this achievement, Nigeria solidifies its standing as a regional leader in aviation law reform and financing, indicating to investors, financiers, and lessors that Nigeria is open for business on terms that are recognized throughout the world.
In order to realize the CTC’s full potential, he promoted regional cooperation.
“We acknowledge that no nation progresses in isolation, even as we applaud Nigeria’s achievements. Only when African governments embrace the ideas of the Cape Town Convention, unify its implementation, and make sure that national legal systems support its effective operation will the Convention reach its full potential. This explains the importance of this occurrence.
“You will interact with experts over the course of the next two days who will share insights derived from international best practices on declarations, national law alignment, the functions of courts and civil aviation authorities, and the significance of consistency in interpretation and enforcement.”
The minister emphasized that these talks will improve continental coherence and strengthen individual national systems, giving Africa a powerful voice in the global aviation financing environment.
“As we move forward, we must use the CTC as a tool for sustainable aviation growth, going beyond compliance to optimize.”
Keyamo, for example, said that the Convention’s adoption should directly result in lower financing costs for African airlines, easier access to contemporary aircraft and equipment, increased investor confidence, and improved operational efficiency and safety.
He stated that in order to accomplish this, industry players must maintain transparency and ethical financial practices, while governments must guarantee uniform enforcement of duties and stakeholder education.
He praised the AWG and AFCAC for their ongoing collaboration in assisting African governments on their path to complete and successful CTC implementation.
Speaking through Mr. Spiff Donald, NCAA DG stated that the CTC is a means of advancement for Nigeria in addition to being a legal requirement.
“The Convention is the cornerstone of our effort to draw in investment, foster investor confidence, and harmonize our aviation law framework with international norms.
There is more to this advancement than just statistics. The goal is to establish an environment that is predictable, stable, and welcoming to investors so that operators and financiers feel comfortable conducting business in Nigeria.
It also reflects the attitude of cooperation seen in our aviation industry. For their commitment to reaching these milestones, I must thank all of our partners, including the Ministry, the courts, the airlines, and the legal community.
“We must acknowledge that more work has to be done even as we celebrate our success. The complete and efficient execution of the Cape Town Convention is what gives it its real worth. Regulators, legislators, and business players must work together to achieve this. It also necessitates a mutual knowledge of the advantages and responsibilities of the treaty.
Mr. Jeffrey Wood of the Aviation Working Group expressed gratitude to the attendees for their dedication to developing the African aviation ecosystem and assured them that their discussions will be productive, significant, and revolutionary for the continent’s aviation future.
“I’ve never been to Nigeria for this assignment before. I’ll go over what we’ve accomplished together over the last 25 years, including what you mentioned last year.
However, finding a treaty with a national reality requires critical international thought, and I believe this event will do that. Individuals always view the world from their individual and national perspectives, but we should have a broader view.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, NCAA, the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and the Aviation Working Group (AWG) collaborated to organize the two-day event. Dr. Kana, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, stated that the Cape Town Convention offers Africa a framework to develop trust, stability, and sustainability in the continent’s aviation ecosystem in addition to a chance to access aircraft at a lower cost.
“Let’s come away from this gathering with a renewed resolve to improve compliance, fortify our institutions, and make sure that the convention’s benefits result in actual economic progress for our countries and people.
“Nigeria is prepared to lead, learn, and collaborate in the common goal of an interconnected, competitive, forward-thinking African aviation ecosystem.” As stated, Nigeria is prepared for business, so it is our duty as a government to make sure that the aviation sector continues to be our continental dream.
