Nigeria retains seat in ICAO with 163 votes

The Nigeria has retained her seat on the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO.

Nigeria's representative in the organisation, Mahmoud Ben-Tukur, retained his seat on Saturday, after clinching 163 votes out of 185 eligible member states.

Tukur was re-elected at the ongoing 42nd ICAO Assembly, in Montreal, Canada, according to a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Aviation Minister and Aerospace Development, Festus Keysmo; Tunde Moshood.

Eleven African countries snd Nigeria took part in the election, underscoring the country's continued relevance and influence in international civil aviation governance.

Ben-Tukur has served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organisation since 2020.

He has extensive experience in aviation, including roles in aircraft maintenance, airworthiness oversight, and technical advisory positions.

He has also, held key ICAO leadership roles, such as Second Vice President, First Vice President of the Council, and Chairperson of the ICAO African Indian Ocean Plan.

The statement further read, “Engr. Ben-Tukur, Nigeria’s Representative to ICAO, will continue to occupy Nigeria’s seat on the Council, further strengthening the nation’s role in global aviation governance. 

He was re-elected with an impressive 163 votes out of 185 eligible member states, demonstrating strong international confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and contributions to the aviation sector.

“Nigeria joins 11 other countries re-elected into Part II of the ICAO Council, including Egypt and South Africa from the African bloc. The outcome reflects the resilience of Nigeria’s aviation diplomacy and the strength of its global alliances within the ICAO family.

“The Minister (Festus Keysmo), who led Nigeria’s delegation to the Assembly, participated in the voting process and engaged in high-level diplomatic consultations throughout the event.” 

Meanwhile, reacting to the development, the Minister described the re-election as “a proud moment for Nigeria and for Africa,” highlighting the vote as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to aviation safety, security, sustainability, and global cooperation.

“Nigeria’s re-election places it alongside other African countries such as Egypt and South Africa, which also secured seats in Part II of the Council. The outcome not only consolidates Nigeria’s role in shaping ICAO’s global policies and standards but also reinforces its position as a key voice for Africa within the international aviation community, “ Keyamo added.