Nigeria has secured re-election into Part II of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), marking a major diplomatic victory at the ongoing 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada. The country’s representative, Engr. Mahmoud Ben-Tukur, won an impressive 163 votes out of 185 eligible member states to retain Nigeria’s seat, defeating 11 other African contenders and reaffirming the nation’s influence in global aviation governance.
The result was announced in a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. According to the statement, Ben-Tukur’s re-election reflects the strength of Nigeria’s aviation diplomacy, the effectiveness of its strategic campaign, and the country’s enduring alliances within the ICAO family. Nigeria now joins 11 other countries re-elected into Part II of the Council, including fellow African members Egypt and South Africa.
Ben-Tukur has served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ICAO since 2020, bringing decades of experience in aviation engineering and regulation. His professional background includes aircraft maintenance, airworthiness oversight, and technical advisory roles. Over the years, he has held key leadership positions within ICAO itself, such as Second Vice President, First Vice President of the Council, and Chairperson of the ICAO African Indian Ocean Plan. His re-election ensures continuity in Nigeria’s representation and strengthens the country’s role in shaping international aviation standards, policies, and safety measures.
Minister Keyamo, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the Assembly and participated in the voting sessions for both Part I and Part II elections, described the outcome as a “proud moment for Nigeria and for Africa.” He highlighted the victory as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to advancing global civil aviation through safety, security, sustainability, and collaborative governance. The minister also engaged in high-level diplomatic consultations during the Assembly, underscoring the importance Nigeria attaches to maintaining a strong voice within ICAO.
The election outcome demonstrates broad international confidence in Nigeria’s leadership within the aviation sector. By retaining its seat on the ICAO Council, Nigeria consolidates its position as a key advocate for African interests while contributing to the development of global aviation policies. Officials noted that the result underscores not only Nigeria’s technical capacity and regulatory achievements but also the success of a carefully coordinated diplomatic effort
Source
