The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN has signed an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This significant agreement was executed during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 during a high-level meeting with the UAE’s Minister of Economy, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri. This signing reinforces the aviation ties between both nations.
The Nigerian delegation accompanying the minister included:
– Director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo
– Managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku
– Director of air transport regulations at the NCAA, Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe
– Director of operations at FAAN, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood
– Director of air transport management at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Ahmed Tijani.
The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by director-general of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi brought together over 35 ministers, representatives from 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the prestigious Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), an ambitious initiative by the UAE aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in sustainable aviation.
The signing of the amended BASA builds on last year’s negotiations, ensuring reciprocal rights for both countries and promoting closer aviation cooperation. The minister highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE, focusing on expanding codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
During the ceremony, Al Marri praised Nigeria’s aviation minister, stating on camera, “Let me say this: the Nigerian Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his word and, for us, that’s everything.” This acknowledgment reflects the minister’s commitment to advancing Nigeria-UAE aviation relations.
In addition to the BASA agreement, the aviation minister advocated for a review of the UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerians, emphasising that easing these conditions would increase passenger traffic on designated routes, benefiting the economies of both nations.
To further strengthen bilateral relations, both countries agreed to sign a technical cooperation agreement focusing on capacity building and technical support in key aviation areas, including safety regulation, environmental standards, airport facilitation and security.
This cooperation demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to elevating its aviation sector to global best practices while deepening ties with international partners.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with the UAE to effectively implement these agreements, ensuring that both nations reap the economic and operational benefits of their strengthened partnership.
