CTC Highlights Investment Opportunities in Africa’s Legal System and Market Stability, Says Keyamo
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 just one 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 on Tuesday, the two gave a speech.
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 tool 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 nation’s aviation industry 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) protocol and Practice Direction, Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention compliance score increased from 70.5% to 75.5%.
“This enhancement demonstrates 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 willing to do business on internationally recognized terms.
In order to realize the CTC’s full potential, he advocated for regional cooperation.
We acknowledge that no nation progresses in isolation, even as we applaud Nigeria’s achievements. Only when African governments embrace the ideals of the Cape Town Convention, standardize its implementation, and make sure that national legal systems facilitate its effective operation will it reach its full potential. This is the reason this event is so important.
“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 uniformity in interpretation and enforcement.”
The minister emphasized that these talks will improve continental coherence in addition to strengthening individual national systems, giving Africa a powerful voice in the global aviation financing environment.
“Our objective must gradually go beyond compliance to optimization, utilizing the CTC as a tool for sustainable aviation growth.”
For example, Keyamo said that the Convention’s adoption should directly result in reduced financing costs for African airlines, better access to contemporary aircraft and equipment, more 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, and governments must make sure that duties are consistently enforced and stakeholders are educated.
He praised the AWG and AFCAC for their ongoing collaboration in assisting African nations on their path to complete and successful CTC implementation.
Speaking through Mr. Spiff Donald, NCAA DG stated that Nigeria views the CTC as both a legal requirement and a means of advancement.
“The Convention is the cornerstone of our plan to draw in capital, foster investor trust, and harmonize our aviation legal framework with international norms.
“Numbers are not the only factor in this progress. In order to offer financiers and operators the confidence to conduct business in Nigeria, it is necessary to establish a stable, predictable, and investor-friendly environment.
It also reflects the attitude of cooperation that permeates our aviation industry. I have to thank all of our partners for their commitment to reaching these milestones, including the Ministry, the courts, the airlines, and the legal community.
“We must acknowledge that there is still more work to be done even as we celebrate success. The complete and efficient application of the Cape Town Convention is what gives it its actual worth. Coordination between legislators, industry players, and regulators is necessary for it. It also necessitates a common comprehension of the treaty’s obligations and advantages.
Mr. Jeffrey Wood of the Aviation Working Group expressed gratitude to the participants for their dedication to improving the African aviation ecosystem and assured them that their discussions will be productive, significant, and revolutionary for the continent’s aviation future.
“I am traveling to Nigeria for the first time on this project. I’ll talk about what we’ve done together over the last 25 years, including what you highlighted last year.
Finding a treaty with a national reality, however, requires critical international thought, and I believe this gathering will do that. People always view things from their own and their country’s point of view, but we need to have a broader view.
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 Permanent Secretary of the ministry, 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 event with a fresh resolve to improve compliance, fortify our institutions, and make sure that the advantages of this convention 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, and it is our duty as a government to make sure that the aviation sector continues to be our continental dream.
