Nigeria’s Adefunke Adeyemi has been re-elected as the Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) at the 35th Ordinary Plenary Session held in Brazzaville, Congo. The announcement came on Thursday following a decisive victory, with Adeyemi securing 22 votes against seven.
The re-election is a testament to her remarkable contributions to African aviation and the confidence of AFCAC member states in her leadership.
Keyamo’s Strategic Role
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, played a pivotal role in the successful campaign. Keyamo, who attended the plenary session in Brazzaville, led strategic diplomatic engagements with African Union member states, rallying support for Adeyemi’s candidacy.
“This is not just a win for Nigeria but for the entire African aviation industry,” Keyamo said after the election. “Ms. Adeyemi’s outstanding leadership and innovative vision have positioned AFCAC to deliver transformative progress across the continent. Nigeria remains committed to driving AFCAC’s goals and ensuring the realization of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).”
AFCAC’s Mandate
As the specialized aviation agency of the African Union, AFCAC oversees civil aviation matters across Africa. It is also the executing body of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD), which aims to liberalize air transport markets across the continent. Central to its mandate is the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a vision that currently unites 37 member states in a bid to enhance connectivity and competitiveness in Africa’s aviation sector.
Adeyemi’s Visionary Leadership
During her tenure, Adeyemi has championed groundbreaking initiatives to foster integration, safety, and sustainable growth in Africa’s aviation industry. Her leadership has been instrumental in enhancing air transport efficiency and collaboration across the continent.
Her re-election marks a renewed mandate to advance AFCAC’s objectives and further drive transformative progress. With her at the helm, AFCAC is poised to build a robust, unified, and competitive air transport system that benefits all of Africa.
“This victory reaffirms the trust of AFCAC member states in Ms. Adeyemi’s visionary leadership,” said Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Aviation Minister. “Her re-election is a step forward for the African aviation industry and Nigeria’s role as a leader in shaping the continent’s aviation future.”
Fair and Transparent Process
An Election Commission comprising representatives from various African Union regions oversaw the voting process, ensuring transparency and fairness in accordance with AFCAC’s Rules of Procedure for Plenary Meetings. Nigeria, under Minister Keyamo’s leadership, played a strategic role in securing widespread support within the West African bloc.
With her renewed mandate, Adefunke Adeyemi is set to continue driving AFCAC’s vision for a seamless, efficient, and competitive aviation industry across Africa.
