The African Bar Association (AfBA) 2025 Annual Conference in Accra, Ghana, will feature a high-level session on Aviation Law that delves into the complex dynamics of foreign investments in Africa’s aviation sector. Anchored under the umbrella conference theme, “Foreign Interests in Africa: Exploitation or Investment?”, the session will provide a critical platform for examining whether foreign participation in aviation drives development or perpetuates dependency.
Chaired by Chief Babatunde Kwame John Ogala, OFR, SAN, the session will bring together leading professionals to dissect the continent’s aviation challenges and opportunities. Distinguished panellists include
- Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur
- Engr. Gbolahan Olusegun Abatan and
- Mitchell Aghatise
Chief Babatunde Kwame John Ogala OFR, SAN
Chief Ogala is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, politician and former legislator. He is a Fellow of the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria; Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria; Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Management amongst others.
Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur
Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur is a seasoned aviation leader with nearly 30 years of experience in air transport regulation and strategic development. As Acting Director-General of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, he drives policy reforms, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder collaboration to strengthen Ghana’s aviation sector. He previously served as Director of Economic Regulation & Business Development and has represented Ghana at ICAO conferences and BASA negotiations. He chairs Ghana’s API/PNR Steering Committee and serves on various continental aviation working groups. Rev. Arthur holds an Executive MBA from the University of Bradford and a BSc in Administration from the University of Ghana, with advanced aviation training from IATA and the Singapore Aviation Academy. He is a Fellow of the Global Association of Certified Chartered Economists.
Engr. Gbolahan Olusegun Abatan
Engr. Gbolahan Abatan is a highly respected aviation expert with over 30 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, engineering, and aviation management. He leads Airfirst Nigeria Ltd and Airfirst Maintenance and Engineering Ltd—renowned for delivering top-tier aviation solutions. A licensed aircraft engineer and certified private pilot, he holds multiple aircraft type ratings and professional certificates. Formerly Director of Airworthiness at the NCAA, he has overseen complex maintenance operations, including D-checks and major refurbishments. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (Leadership & Strategic Management) from Maverick Business Academy, London. Known for integrity and technical depth, he also consults for leading private aviation firms across Nigeria.
Mitchell Aghatise
Mitchell Aghatise is a Senior Associate and Team Lead at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, with expertise in aviation law, complex international arbitration, energy, and public policy reform. He holds an LLB from the University of Leicester and an LLM from the London School of Economics, graduating with distinction in International Commercial Arbitration. He has advised on aircraft leases, purchase and code-share agreements, and disputes under the Cape Town Convention, alongside cross-border arbitrations under leading rules and institutions. Mitchell has contributed to drafting landmark Nigerian legislation, including the Banking Act (2020), NDIC Act, and Data Protection Act. In 2023, he completed a secondment with Trinity International LLP, and he regularly speaks on global platforms, including London International Disputes Week and NBA-SBL conferences.
The discussion will unfold along two key perspectives. The first explores whether foreign investments in Africa’s aviation sector enhance connectivity and growth or simply entrench external dominance over the continent’s airspace and market. The second focuses on *Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)* — a vital pillar for aviation safety, sustainability, and self-sufficiency.
The Aviation Law session promises to be both engaging and solutions-driven, setting the stage for renewed commitment to building a resilient, self-reliant aviation ecosystem in Africa.
