Chinasa Unaegbunam, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has been appointed to the advisory board of the Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation (HCAA).
The announcement was made on Friday, December 6, in a statement by Tunde Moshood, spokesperson for Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Moshood described the appointment as both a personal milestone and a testament to Nigeria’s growing prominence in international aviation arbitration.
The statement highlighted Unaegbunam’s expertise, noting, “This accomplishment underscores her status as one of Nigeria’s leading aviation legal experts and marks her as the nation’s second Learned Silk in Aviation.”
The HCAA revealed a diverse 40-member advisory board comprising top figures in aviation law, mediation, and arbitration, including Claire McDermott, Mary Walker, and Wade Thomson. The board aims to advance arbitration and mediation as the primary methods for resolving contractual disputes in the global aviation industry.
As a board member, Unaegbunam will provide critical advice to the HCAA in its mission to enhance dispute resolution mechanisms tailored to the aviation sector. This work is supported by technical, mediation, and rules standing committees that offer specialised knowledge to the board of directors.
The statement concluded, “As the second aviation Learned Silk from Nigeria to achieve this honour, Unaegbunam continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation of aviation and legal professionals. Her appointment aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in aviation, a sector vital to the nation’s economic growth.”
