The Federal Government has called for the quick implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) among the African nations that have signed the agreement.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently revealed that swift implementation would make passenger and cargo movement less complicated, while also reducing airfares in the region.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 18th Plenary Session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), Keyamo revealed that implementation is absolutely vital because, despite the continent’s vibrant political will and several declarations, progress has been sluggish at best.
He believes the implementation would benefit the whole of Africa greatly because the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is a vital step that will unlock the huge potential of air connectivity across Africa.
According to him, fragmentation is currently a massive obstacle to our regional integration, therefore, something must be done quickly for things to go smoothly.
“I want to highlight the urgent need to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) for the benefit of our sub-region and the entire African continent. As we all know, SAATM represents a bold and visionary step toward achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and unlocking the immense potential of air connectivity across our continent.
You will agree with me that despite our strong political will and numerous declarations, progress has been slow, and fragmentation remains a barrier to our regional integration,” he said.
Keyamo emphasised how air connectivity is a huge asset that enhances the global competitiveness of cities, states and regions; urging Africa to be decisive or risk getting left behind.
“It is believed that SAATM will enhance intra-African connections and make the movement of passengers and cargo smooth with minimum transit points at competitive prices. Achieving these requires our collective resolve not only to implement SAATM but also to make conscious efforts to address the issues of non-physical barriers, including the high cost of travel within the region.
Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders but by open opportunities,” he added.
