Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu Earns Advanced Certificate in Aviation Governance at Regional Stakeholders Retreat

Between 20th and 23rd July, 2025, key players in Africa’s aviation sector gathered in Accra, Ghana, for a Regional Aviation Stakeholders Retreat and specialised training programme aimed at strengthening public policy and governance within the industry. Among the participants was Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, Member representing Aninri, Awgu and Oji-River Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Lake Chad, who attended alongside other Members of the House Committee on Aviation and Aerospace Management.

Organised by the University of Kigali, the intensive three-day capacity-building programme focused on equipping policymakers with practical knowledge and legislative insight to support safer, more efficient and more competitive aviation across the continent.

Participants engaged with a wide range of critical topics, including the fundamentals of public policy and governance in aviation, the implications of the Chicago Convention for Nigeria’s aviation obligations, and key aspects of safety and security oversight. The training also covered budgeting for aviation infrastructure, economic regulation, revenue sharing, consumer protection, and the legislative processes involved in reviewing and enacting aviation-relevant bills. International cooperation, bilateral agreements, and national interest were also key areas of discussion.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr. Ronald Kwena, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise at the University of Kigali, commended the delegates for their commitment to building institutional capacity and promoting good governance in aviation. Professor Felix Maringe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Development, Research and Innovation, also highlighted the University’s ongoing dedication to offering practical, solution-driven training to support policy development and effective oversight across Africa.

As part of the retreat, Hon. Engr. Onwuegbu was awarded an Advanced Certificate in Public Policy and Aviation Governance by the University of Kigali, marking the successful completion of the rigorous programme. The certification was officially conferred on 22nd July, 2025.

Reacting to the achievement, Hon. Engr. Onwuegbu described the retreat as an invaluable opportunity for learning, engagement and reflection on how lawmakers can better shape Nigeria’s aviation sector through informed legislation and effective oversight.

“This additional knowledge will strengthen my capacity to contribute to aviation-related legislation, advocate for improved infrastructure and safety oversight, and attract impactful policies that benefit my constituents in Aninri, Awgu and Oji-River Federal Constituency,” he said.

The newly acquired expertise is also expected to enhance his oversight work as Chairman of the House Committee on Lake Chad, where transport and infrastructure remain critical drivers of regional development.

The University urged all graduates of the programme to apply their new knowledge to advance aviation policy frameworks and legislative processes in their home countries, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient aviation industry across Africa.