The appointment, according to a statement issued on Wednesday in Brazzaville, Congo, followed what the bank described as Nigeria’s “leadership and vision” in implementing policy reforms aimed at transforming the country’s aviation sector.
Under the arrangement, Keyamo is expected to drive the implementation and promotion of the programme across the African continent.
The AfDB has also invited the minister to its Annual Meeting scheduled to hold in Brazzaville on May 28, 2026, where a formal signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between the bank and Nigeria will take place.
According to the statement, the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa is a continent-wide initiative designed to modernise Africa’s aviation ecosystem and mobilise private, institutional and concessional capital for the sector.
The programme seeks to revitalise Africa’s aviation industry, with the AfDB noting that African airlines currently account for less than three per cent of global air traffic despite the continent representing nearly 18 per cent of the world’s population.
“The Aviation Minister is now expected to bring his knowledge, commitment and passion to drive this program in the whole of Africa,” the statement noted.
The bank also expressed appreciation to Keyamo for what it described as his commitment to advancing aviation development across Africa.
The appointment comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including efforts to improve airport infrastructure, strengthen airline operations, attract investment and reposition the country as a regional aviation hub.
