Mr. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, on Thursday in Abuja, called for a stronger partnership between aviation regulatory bodies and the judiciary to improve safety, accountability, and justice within Nigeria’s aviation sector. He made these remarks at the NCAA Judges Conference 2025, themed “The Role of Judges in Upholding Nigeria’s Commitment to Applicable International Conventions Relating to Air Carriage.”
Keyamo described the conference as a convergence of legal minds at the intersection of law, policy, and international civil aviation.
He noted that the event symbolised how nations safeguard lives, resolve conflicts, and foster trust in air travel.
The minister remarked that aviation is inherently an international enterprise.
He expressed his gratitude to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun JSC; and President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, for endorsing the participation of esteemed justices from both courts and other judiciary members at the conference.
He stated, “Your presence, my lords, adds significant weight and credibility to this dialogue.”
In his keynote address, Keyamo emphasised, “When a court interprets a provision of international conventions, it does not merely resolve a dispute; it communicates to the world how Nigeria honours its commitments under international law. This engagement is therefore crucial.”
He elaborated that as aircraft traverse borders daily, associated obligations and liabilities invariably accompany them, as outlined in various civil aviation treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Keyamo asserted, “This indicates that our judges, more than many professionals, carry the responsibility of interpreting treaties and conventions in ways that reflect both our national interests and international obligations.
“My lords, you are thus partners in shaping Nigeria’s standing within the global civil aviation community. Since the ratification of the Montreal Convention, our courts have been tasked with determining jurisdiction, damage assessments, and liability limits.
“Some of these rulings have clarified ambiguous areas, while others have incited new discussions. This is beneficial for the progression of our legal system.
“The theme of this conference, ‘Defining the Frontiers of the Montreal Convention: The Perspective of the Nigerian Courts,’ is both timely and essential, as the ministry aims for a system that earns the trust of passengers, investors, and international partners, grounded in the three pillars of safety, accountability, and justice.”
He continued, “While the text of the convention remains consistent across jurisdictions, its practical effectiveness hinges on the depth and clarity of judicial reasoning that interprets and applies its trust pillars.
“As we advance reforms in the aviation sector, our initiatives gain strength through effective collaboration between the judiciary and regulators in pursuit of shared objectives.
“I urge the NCAA to uphold the first two pillars, while it is the judiciary’s duty to ensure justice is served in the aviation industry. When passengers or operators believe they will receive a fair hearing and sound judgement, confidence flourishes. With confidence comes investment.”
Fagbemi, represented by Gladys Odegbaro (Director, Solicitor Department) from the Federal Ministry of Justice, informed the judges that defining the frontiers of the Montreal Convention is not a static task.
He explained that it necessitates judicial clarity regarding the convention’s scope and limitations, regulatory alignment with international best practices, and collaborative engagement among judges, regulators, and carriers.
He stated that by signing the Montreal Convention, Nigeria made a solemn commitment to both the international community and its citizens.
“That commitment was to ensure that the rights of passengers, the obligations of carriers, and the standards of safety and accountability in international aviation are upheld with integrity,” he assured.
He encouraged judges to consistently apply the convention with empathy, ensuring that Nigeria remains a beacon of global excellence in aviation law.
Welcoming conference participants, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, noted that law, when interpreted with clarity and intent, forms the foundation of safety, fairness, and trust in aviation.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s obligations under key instruments, such as the Convention on International Civil Aviation of 1944 and the Montreal Convention of 1999, reflect the nation’s commitment to international best practices.
He stated, “Conventions realise their true strength only when upheld in our courts, which underscores the critical role of the judiciary. Through their rulings, our judges interpret not just the letter of the law, but its spirit and intent, thus balancing the interests of passengers, operators, regulators, and the state.
“At the NCAA, we remain dedicated to aligning with international standards, maintaining robust oversight, and ensuring transparent governance. However, we recognise that regulation alone is insufficient.
“The wisdom of the judiciary provides permanence and legitimacy to all our efforts in upholding the rule of law in aviation.”
