Nigeria, Jamaica partner on direct flight services

Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish direct air connectivity between the two countries to deepen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Jamaica.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this during a high-level meeting with the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, in Abuja

At the meeting, Ambassador Downer emphasised the urgent need to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly through an improved Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

He revealed that his government had given him a direct mandate to enhance air travel and trade between Jamaica and Nigeria.He also noted the increasing popularity of Afrobeat music and Nollywood films in Jamaica, and the rising demand for Jamaican products in Nigeria.

However, he noted that a major challenge was that Jamaica lacked a national airline and relied on Trinidad and Tobago for international air transport. He proposed a collaborative BASA arrangement to fill this gap, stressing the growing demand for travel between Nigeria and Jamaica.

In response, Keyamo pledged swift action, announcing the formation of a committee to fast-track the agreement.

“I am delighted to initiate the BASA process immediately. We will move quickly to finalise it, and, if necessary, I will personally travel to Jamaica to sign the agreement,” Keyamo stated.

The move signals a major step toward direct flights between Nigeria and Jamaica, which could boost tourism, trade and cultural exchange. If successfully implemented, the agreement would open new economic opportunities and strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.