The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step to strengthen trade, tourism, and economic ties with Kuwait by signing a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, talks have been initiated with the Islamic Republic of Iran for a similar aviation agreement.
Key Points:
- Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Kuwait:
- Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Space Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, signed a BASA deal with Kuwait at the ICAO event. The agreement facilitates legal and seamless direct flights, passenger, and cargo operations between Nigeria and Kuwait.
- Mr. Keyamo emphasized that the aviation sector plays a crucial role in achieving the developmental goals of the administration, particularly in poverty alleviation. He encouraged stakeholders in both countries’ aviation sectors to maximize the opportunities provided by the agreement.
- Enhancing Economic Ties:
- The agreement is expected to enhance economic ties and cooperation between Nigeria and Kuwait, aligning with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The Minister highlighted the potential benefits for trade, commerce, tourism, education, and overall socio-economic development.
- Bilateral Talks with Iran:
- Mr. Keyamo engaged in bilateral talks with representatives from the Islamic Republic of Iran, led by the President of Iran Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Mohammadi Bakhsh. The discussions focused on the commencement of flight operations for passengers and cargo between Nigeria and Iran.
- The Minister acknowledged the historical relationship between the two countries and expressed a commitment to overcoming international political barriers. He assured the Iranian delegation of collaboration with other government agencies to initiate flight operations.
- Operationalizing the Agreement with Iran:
- Reference was made to the exchange of BASA texts between Nigeria and Iran, initialed in Tehran in 2021. Mr. Bakhsh urged the operationalization of the agreement and indicated that Tehran had designated Mahan Air for the Tehran-Lagos route, requesting Abuja to do the same with its carrier.
- The potential for Nigeria to become a hub for cargo operations for goods from Tehran to Africa was emphasized, highlighting shared interests between the two nations.
Conclusion: The signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Kuwait and the exploration of a similar deal with Iran underscore Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships, promote economic activities, and foster connectivity through the aviation sector. These agreements are positioned to contribute to the broader socio-economic development goals outlined by the Nigerian government.
