Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has signed an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement was formalized during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
The high-level meeting, which took place at the prestigious Emirates Palace, was attended by UAE’s Minister of Economy, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, alongside a Nigerian delegation that included key aviation officials such as Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); and other senior aviation regulators.
The ICAO GISS 2025 brought together over 35 ministers, representatives from 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors. The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), an initiative by the UAE aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in sustainable aviation.
Strengthening Aviation Ties
The signing of the amended BASA builds on last year’s negotiations and is expected to ensure reciprocal rights for both countries, enhancing aviation cooperation. Keyamo emphasized the importance of improving connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE by expanding codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri praised Keyamo for his commitment, stating, “The Nigerian aviation minister is a man who keeps his words, and for us, that’s everything.”
Call for Visa Policy Review
Beyond aviation agreements, Keyamo also called for a review of UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerian travelers. He stressed that easing the current entry requirements would boost passenger traffic and economic benefits for both nations.
In addition, both countries agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement to enhance capacity building and technical support in key aviation areas, including safety regulations, environmental policies, airport facilitation, and security.
Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to implement these agreements effectively, ensuring that both nations maximize the economic and operational benefits of their strengthened partnership.
