Adefunke Adeyemi has been re-elected as Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) during the 35th Ordinary Plenary Session in Brazzaville, Congo. The announcement was made on Thursday, with Adeyemi receiving 22 votes in her favor and 7 against, a clear demonstration of confidence from AFCAC member states in her leadership.
Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, played a crucial role in Adeyemi’s re-election by leading strategic diplomatic engagements with African Union member states. His efforts successfully rallied support for her candidacy, reinforcing Nigeria’s influence on the continent’s aviation future.
“This is not just a win for Nigeria, but for the entire African aviation industry,” said Festus Keyamo after the election. “Ms. Adeyemi’s exceptional leadership and innovative vision have positioned AFCAC to drive transformative progress across the continent.
Nigeria remains committed to advancing the goals of AFCAC and ensuring the realization of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).”
The election process, governed by AFCAC’s Rules of Procedure, was conducted fairly and transparently, with an Election Commission representing various African Union regions. Nigeria’s leadership within the West African bloc was key in securing widespread continental backing for Adeyemi.
As the specialized agency of the African Union, AFCAC plays a pivotal role in civil aviation across Africa, with a key mandate to implement the Yamassoukro Decision (YD) and the Single African Air Transport Market.
Adeyemi’s re-election reaffirms her significant contributions to the growth and integration of African aviation, particularly in improving air transport safety, efficiency, and collaboration.
With her renewed mandate, Adeyemi is set to continue driving AFCAC’s objectives, fostering a unified and competitive African air transport system. This victory highlights Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the continent’s aviation sector and promoting regional unity.
Tunde Moshood
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development