Nigeria, UAE Strengthen Aviation Ties with Amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), aimed at enhancing aviation collaboration and fostering mutual benefits between the two nations. The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri. The signing took place during the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Global Implementation Support Symposium 2025 (ICAO GISS 2025) in Abu Dhabi, a significant gathering of aviation ministers and experts from around the world.
The amendment of the BASA builds upon last year’s negotiations, ensuring reciprocal rights for both countries and strengthening their aviation ties. Minister Keyamo highlighted the importance of improving connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE, with a particular focus on expanding codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines. This is expected to lead to more efficient travel options for passengers and greater collaboration between the two nations’ aviation sectors.
UAE’s Minister of Economy praised Keyamo for his dedication to advancing Nigeria-UAE aviation relations, acknowledging his commitment to keeping promises. This gesture of goodwill reinforces the trust between both countries, which will play a key role in the successful implementation of the amended BASA. The two ministers discussed how their collaboration would enhance operational efficiencies and increase passenger traffic, ultimately benefiting both economies.
In addition to the BASA agreement, the two countries also reached an understanding to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement. This agreement will focus on capacity building and technical support in areas such as safety, regulatory practices, airport facilitation, and security. Nigeria is eager to elevate its aviation sector to meet international standards, and this partnership will be critical in achieving that goal, strengthening Nigeria’s position in global aviation.
The discussions also included a call for the UAE to review its visa restrictions on Nigerians, as easing these conditions could lead to higher passenger traffic on designated routes. Minister Keyamo emphasized that relaxing visa conditions would have a positive economic impact for both nations. The signing ceremony concluded with a strong commitment to working together to ensure the successful implementation of the agreements and maximize their benefits for both countries.
Source: Punch