Abu Dhabi, UAE – Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has signed an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), solidifying aviation ties between both nations.
The agreement was finalized during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, following high-level discussions between Keyamo and H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy.
Keyamo was accompanied by a delegation of top Nigerian aviation officials, including Capt. Chris Ona Najomo (Director General, NCAA), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku (Managing Director, FAAN), Mrs. Olayinka T. Babaoye-Iriobe (Director, Air Transport Regulations, NCAA), Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood (Director of Operations, FAAN), and Mr. Ahmed Tijani (Director, Air Transport Management, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development).
Boosting Aviation and Economic Ties
The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), brought together over 35 ministers, 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the prestigious Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
According to the Ministry’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the amended BASA builds on previous negotiations, ensuring reciprocal rights for both countries and strengthening aviation collaboration. Keyamo emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly through expanded codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
Push for UAE Visa Review
Beyond aviation cooperation, Keyamo advocated for a review of UAE visa restrictions on Nigerians, stressing that easing the current conditions would increase passenger traffic on designated routes, ultimately benefiting both nations’ economies.
Additionally, both countries agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement, focusing on capacity building, safety and regulatory measures, environmental concerns, airport facilitation, and security to further strengthen their aviation partnership.
This latest development signals a renewed commitment to strengthening air transport relations between Nigeria and the UAE, paving the way for improved airline operations, greater connectivity, and economic growth for both nations.
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