Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the immediate conclusion of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Belgium.

This is just as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national carrier, Etihad Airways has unveiled plans to stage a return to Nigeria after four years of suspension of flight to the country following diplomatic disputes regarding visa bans and trapped revenue funds.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications Keyamo, Tunde Moshood, said that the developments came during separate meetings the minister held in Abuja with the outgoing Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt and a high-powered delegation from Etihad Airways, showing renewed efforts by the Federal government to deepen international air connectivity.

During a farewell visit by Leenknegt, who is due to conclude his diplomatic assignment on August 5, 2026, Keyamo ordered officials of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to fast-track negotiations on the long-delayed BASA with Belgium.

The minister directed the Director of Air Transport Management to provide an immediate update on the status of negotiations and resolve all outstanding issues to enable the agreement to be signed before the ambassador leaves Nigeria.

Leenknegt explained that one of the key issues delaying the agreement was the European Union ownership clause, noting that Belgium no longer had a national airline with a Belgian majority shareholder, making it necessary to align the agreement with the realities of the European aviation framework.

He said direct flights between Lagos or Abuja and Brussels would boost trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, stressing that many Nigerian travellers currently transit through neighbouring countries, including Cotonou in Benin Republic to reach the Belgian capital.

The ambassador who described the proposed BASA as “low-hanging fruit,” expressed optimism that it could be concluded before the end of his tenure.

In his response, Keyamo said he was surprised that despite the strong commercial ties and large passenger traffic between both countries, there were still no direct flights linking Nigeria and Belgium.

He said: “It is surprising that with the size of Nigeria, our population and the volume of business between both countries, we still do not have direct flights to Brussels. We need to fast-track this process.”

He noted that Brussels serves as a strategic European gateway and transit hub, making the agreement important for Nigeria’s aviation sector and broader economic relations with Belgium.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has officially notified the Federal government of its decision to return to the Nigerian market after suspending operations in 2022.

The airline’s delegation, led by Senior Vice President for Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Capt. Khalid Humaid Al Ali, informed the minister that Etihad planned to recommence daily Lagos-Abu Dhabi services between March 24 and 27, 2027, using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Al Ali also disclosed that the UAE carrier had concluded a codeshare agreement with Air Peace as part of its strategy to strengthen connectivity in the Nigerian market.

Keyamo welcome the plan and described the development as another vote of confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

He also lauded Etihad for partnering with Air Peace.

The minister, however, urged Etihad to consider extending its operations to Abuja, arguing that many passengers from Northern Nigeria currently travel to Lagos before connecting to the UAE and other destinations, including Saudi Arabia.

He said: “I saw you just signed a very good deal with Air Peace yesterday. That’s very good. Air Peace is one of our trusted and most reliable airlines. We are supporting them to grow. It is a very proud Nigerian flag carrier.

“Lagos is saturated, but we want to make all the space available for you in Abuja. If you start Abuja, you will be amazed by the passenger traffic.”

To facilitate the airline’s return, the minister directed the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, to provide the necessary operational support at the Lagos airport.

Kuku assured the delegation that FAAN would make temporary arrangements to accommodate the airline pending the completion of ongoing terminal expansion works.

Keyamo also ordered the establishment of a joint working committee comprising officials of the ministry, aviation agencies and Etihad Airways to fast-track regulatory approvals, operational planning and other preparations ahead of the airline’s planned resumption of services.

Both parties agreed to commence virtual engagements next week to ensure a seamless return of the airline to Nigeria.