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, through a statement by Tunde Moshood, spokesperson for Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Moshood described the appointment as both a personal achievement for Chinasa Unaegbunam and 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 also unveiled its 40-member advisory board, which includes prominent figures in aviation law, mediation, and arbitration, such as Claire McDermott, Mary Walker, and Wade Thomson.
The board aims to promote arbitration and mediation as key methods for resolving contractual disputes in the global aviation sector.
“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 specialized committees focused on technical, mediation, and rules issues, all contributing to the development of effective dispute resolution mechanisms in aviation.
“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.