Nigerian woman Chinasa Unaegbunam appointed to Hague court of arbitration for aviation advisory board

The Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation (HCAA) has appointed Chinasa Unaegbunam, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as a member of its advisory board.

This was disclosed on Friday, December 6, in a statement by Tunde Moshood, spokesperson for Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Moshood described the appointment as “not only a personal achievement but also a significant recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in international aviation arbitration.”

“This accomplishment underscores Unaegbunam’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading aviation legal experts and marks her as the nation’s second Learned Silk in Aviation,” the statement reads.

The HCAA’s announcement unveiled a diverse 40-member advisory board featuring prominent figures in aviation law, mediation, and arbitration, including Claire McDermott, Mary Walker, and Wade Thomson. The board’s mission is to promote arbitration and mediation as preferred methods for resolving contractual disputes in the global aviation industry.

“Unaegbunam will play a pivotal role in advising the HCAA on its mission to promote arbitration and mediation as preferred methods for resolving contractual disputes in the global aviation industry,” the statement added.

The advisory board is supported by technical, mediation, and rules standing committees, which provide specialized knowledge to the board of directors. This collective effort aims to enhance dispute resolution mechanisms tailored to the aviation sector’s unique complexities.

“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 pivotal to the nation’s economic development,” the statement concluded.