Nigeria’s Mahmoud Ben-Tukur retains seat in ICAO with 163 votes
The Nigerian representative on the International Civil Aviation Organisation, (ICAO) Mahmoud Ben-Tukur, was re-elected on Saturday at the ongoing 42nd ICAO Assembly, which is currently taking place in Montreal, Canada, having clinched 163 votes out of 185 eligible member states to retain his seat.
This was made known through a statement signed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The Nigerian representative was re-elected into Part II of the ICAO Council with 163 votes.
The election, which saw competition from 11 other African nations, underscores Nigeria’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.
Ben-Tukur has 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.
Moshiod said, “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.”
According to the statement, the outcome of the election reflects the strength of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and aviation sector leadership, as well as the effectiveness of its strategic campaign led by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“The Minister, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the Assembly, participated in the voting process and engaged in high-level diplomatic consultations throughout the event,” Moshood stated.
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, “the statement added.