Nigeria has taken a significant step toward strengthening its aviation sector as the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement, executed during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Dubai, reinforces bilateral aviation cooperation and enhances air connectivity between both nations.
In a high-level meeting with His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, Minister Keyamo emphasised the importance of fostering deeper aviation collaboration, expanding codeshare agreements, and improving interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines. The signing builds on last year’s negotiations, ensuring reciprocal rights and economic benefits for both countries.
The Minister was accompanied by a distinguished Nigerian delegation, including Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olayinka T. Babaoye-Iriobe, Director of Air Transport Regulations at the NCAA, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, Director of Operations at FAAN, and Mr. Ahmed Tijani, Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
During the signing ceremony, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri commended Keyamo’s dedication and leadership, stating, “Let me say this on camera now, the Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his words, and for us, that’s everything.” This recognition highlights Nigeria’s commitment to transparent and productive international partnerships in aviation.
Beyond the BASA amendment, Keyamo pushed for a review of UAE visa restrictions on Nigerian travelers, stressing that easing the current conditions would significantly boost passenger traffic and drive economic benefits for both countries. In a further boost to bilateral relations, Nigeria and the UAE have also agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement that will focus on key aviation areas, including capacity building, aviation safety, regulatory improvements, environmental standards, airport facilitation, and security enhancements.
This agreement aligns with Nigeria’s long-term vision of elevating its aviation sector to global best practices while fostering stronger ties with international partners.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to implement these agreements effectively, ensuring that both countries maximize the economic and operational benefits of this strengthened aviation partnership. This milestone underscores Nigeria’s dedication to advancing its aviation sector, creating new opportunities for Nigerian airlines, and positioning the country as a key player in global aviation.
