Following the landmark signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, made a strategic diplomatic stop in Barbados to further deepen air connectivity between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
In a symbolic display of high-level diplomacy and Caribbean hospitality, the minister was warmly received by the globally respected Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, SC, MP. Their meeting highlighted a shared vision to strengthen Africa-Caribbean relations through direct aviation partnerships and enhanced connectivity.
During his visit, Keyamo held bilateral discussions with several key cabinet ministers of the Government of Barbados. Talks centered on expanding direct air links between the regions and revisiting the existing BASA between Nigeria and Barbados to reflect current economic and strategic priorities.
Keyamo noted that advancing such partnerships is critical to the success of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, particularly the goal of positioning Nigeria as a central aviation gateway between Africa, South America and the Caribbean.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to translating these discussions into practical outcomes. In that regard, Minister Keyamo extended a formal invitation to the Government of Barbados for a follow-up meeting in Abuja – an invitation Prime Minister Mottley graciously accepted.
The minister’s visit represents a major step forward in Nigeria’s proactive aviation diplomacy, further positioning the country as a key player in global air transport and reinforcing its vision to become the leading intercontinental hub connecting Africa to the rest of the world.
