KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT, FESTUS EGWAREWA KEYAMO SAN, FCIArb, AT THE 2024 MINISTRY OF AVIATION AND AEROSPACE CONFERENCE ON THE CAPE TOWN CONVENTION AND AIRCRAFT PROTOCOL IMPLEMENTATION
PROTOCOLS
Your Excellencies, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, GCON; Distinguished Guests; Honourable Ministers; Heads of Government Agencies; Esteemed Members of the Judiciary and Aviation Industry; Representatives of International Organizations; Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is my profound honor to welcome you to this landmark event, the 2024 Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Conference on the Implementation of the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol. This occasion serves as a critical platform to explore avenues for advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector through strategic legal and regulatory frameworks.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his unwavering support under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has provided the foundation for the progress we celebrate today. I also thank the Vice President for his leadership in the National Economic Council, under whose guidance the Practice Direction was signed, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria for steering the judiciary towards interpreting and implementing the Cape Town Convention.
**The Cape Town Convention: Unlocking Aviation Excellence**
Adopted in 2001, the Cape Town Convention has proven to be a transformative legal framework, harmonizing diverse global legal systems to foster predictability and stability for aviation stakeholders. For Nigeria, this Convention has not only enhanced our global standing but has also opened doors to increased investment and growth in aviation financing.
The recently issued Federal High Court Practice Directions and Advisory Circular mark significant milestones in our journey to align with international best practices. These initiatives have streamlined legal processes, enhanced jurisdictional clarity, and improved Nigeria’s compliance index, positioning our nation among global leaders in aviation governance.
**The Way Forward: Challenges and Opportunities**
While we have made commendable progress, challenges such as ensuring consistent judicial interpretations and aligning local laws with international standards remain. However, these challenges present opportunities for further innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building within our aviation sector.
This conference is a call to action for all stakeholders to engage, deliberate, and contribute to shaping a dynamic, sustainable, and globally competitive aviation industry in Nigeria.
**Conclusion**
As we continue this transformative journey, I reiterate the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant aviation ecosystem. I thank all participants for their contributions and urge us all to leverage this conference as a springboard for sustained progress.
Thank you, and welcome once again to this historic gathering.
