AeroTrail

Introduction.

Nigeria’s global aviation compliance rating under the Cape Town Convention has risen to 75.5%, reflecting significant progress in aligning the country’s aviation financing and regulatory framework with international standards. Announced by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo during the Cape Town Convention Africa Event in Abuja, the improvement follows the operationalization of the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) procedure and Practice Directions, which have clarified the adjudication of aircraft financing cases in Nigerian courts. The milestone signals Nigeria’s growing credibility in aviation law reform, enhancing investor confidence, access to modern aircraft, and financing opportunities. The event, co-hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Aviation Working Group (AWG), the African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC, and the Ministry, brought together regulators, financiers, and legal experts to strengthen continental harmonization of the Convention.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

Cabo Verde Airlines has had its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) renewed for 18 months, providing the airline with a temporary regulatory framework to stabilise its operations amid ongoing challenges. The renewal comes as the carrier continues to manage fleet limitations and negotiates new wet-lease (ACMI) agreements following recent aircraft‑on‑ground (AOG) issues. This extension allows Cabo Verde Airlines to address capacity shortfalls, restructure operations, and ensure continued compliance with aviation safety and regulatory standards while planning for longer-term operational stability.

South Africa has formally requested fifth freedom traffic rights from Nigeria, along with an additional airline designation, to operate flights between Cape Town and Lagos. The request, made during the ICAN 2025 summit in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, could significantly enhance bilateral air connectivity by allowing South African carriers to carry passengers between Nigeria and a third country as part of flights originating or ending in South Africa. The proposal also seeks to grant Airlink access to the Cape Town–Lagos route alongside South African Airways, which currently holds the designation under the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).