Nigeria and the Arab Republic of Egypt have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in aviation and aerospace development, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two African nations.
The agreement followed a high-level meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where delegates from both countries reviewed their Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) in line with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) BASA template. The formal signing ceremony was hosted at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja.
Describing the MoU as a historic moment, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, said it marked the beginning of a new era of collaboration and shared prosperity. He emphasised that the agreement reflects a strong mutual commitment to leveraging aviation as a critical engine of economic growth, diplomacy, and tourism.
Keyamo noted that the enhanced partnership would open opportunities in technical cooperation, civil aviation infrastructure, route expansion and joint investments, ultimately boosting regional integration and connectivity across Africa. He thanked the Egyptian delegation for their partnership, describing the agreement as a strategic step toward improved service delivery in the sector.
In his response, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdelatty conveyed warm greetings from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by Nigeria. He reaffirmed Egypt’s dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and emphasised the significance of both nations as anchors of stability and progress in Africa.
Abdelatty highlighted EgyptAir’s active operations, with over 600 annual flights to Lagos and Kano, and indicated interest in increasing frequency due to rising demand among travellers between the two countries.
Also speaking, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, mni, welcomed the Egyptian delegation, calling the visit a testament to the longstanding friendship and growing ties between Nigeria and Egypt. He praised Keyamo for prioritising the engagement and reiterated the importance of continued collaboration.
Kana emphasised the strong commercial relationship, particularly in aviation, infrastructure and agriculture, noting that many Nigerians regard Egypt as a second home. He called for greater trilateral cooperation between Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa to drive technological innovation and continental development.
