Safety: Civil Aviation Authority, Judiciary Partner On Strengthening Aviation Laws

The minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening aviation laws and international treaties through collaboration between the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the judiciary.

The minister made this assertion in Abuja on Thursday at the NCAA, Judiciary Conference organised by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

He said: “Aviation, by its nature, is an international enterprise. Aircraft cross borders daily; obligations and liabilities often follow them as provided for in several civil aviation treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory to. This means that our judges, more than most professionals, interpret treaties and conventions in ways that reflect both our national interest and our international obligations.

“My lords, you are partners in shaping Nigeria’s reputation in the global civil aviation community. When a court interprets a provision of international conventions, it is not merely resolving a dispute; it is sending a signal to the world about how Nigeria honours its commitments under international law. That is why this engagement is so important. It brings together those who make the laws, those who interpret them, and those who must live under its guidance.”

While calling for collaboration between the NCAA and the judiciary, the minister said, “As we continue to implement reforms in the aviation sector, our efforts are strengthened when the judiciary and the regulators collaborate effectively to uphold shared goals. Aviation disputes are often technical and demand knowledge of the law and an appreciation of international standards, insurance mechanisms, and operational realities. That is why the NCAA’s initiative to convene this roundtable is so commendable. It bridges the communication gap between the regulators and those who are tasked with interpreting those regulations. When regulators and judges sing from the same sheet, it ensures consistency in the sector. “

Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo said Nigeria’s obligations are under key instruments such as the Convention on International Civil Aviation of 1944 and the Montreal Convention of 1999, which reflect Nigeria’s dedication to international best practices.

Speaking on the theme “The role of judges in sustaining Nigeria’s adherence to applicable international conventions in relation to carriage by air,” he said it underscores the indispensable role of the judiciary in ensuring that global commitments are not merely aspirational but actively enforced. When laws are interpreted with clarity and purpose, they become the foundation upon which safety, fairness, and trust are built in aviation.

Capt. Najomo also said NCAA remains committed to continuous alignment with international standards, robust oversight, and transparent governance, and it’s mindful that regulation alone is not enough as the judiciary’s wisdom gives permanence and legitimacy to every effort they make to uphold the rule of law in aviation.

Meanwhile, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, who was represented by Gladys Odegbaro, Director, Solicitor Department) Federal Ministry of Justice said: “When Nigeria appended her signature to the Montreal Convention, she did not join a treaty. She solemnly pledged to the international community and her own citizens.

That pledge was to ensure that the rights of passengers, the obligations of carriers and the standards of safety and accountability in international aviation will be upheld with integrity.

“The judiciary, therefore, performs the unique role of acting as guardians of compliance with the convention through which it defines the frontiers of justice in aviation law. The task before us is to translate the convention’s text and our valuable precedents into coherent, predictable outcomes for litigants and the travelling public.”