The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement was formalized at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Dubai during a high-level meeting with UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri. The signing aims to strengthen aviation ties between both nations.
Keyamo led the Nigerian delegation, which included 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); Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, Director of Air Transport Regulations at NCAA; Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, Director of Operations at FAAN; and Mr. Ahmed Tijani, Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Tunde Moshood, explained that the amended BASA follows negotiations from the previous year, ensuring reciprocal aviation rights and expanding codeshare and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
Keyamo highlighted the importance of improved connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE.
During the ceremony, Al Marri commended Keyamo’s dedication to strengthening bilateral aviation relations, stating,
“Let me say this on camera now, the Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his words, and for us, that’s everything.”
In addition to the BASA agreement, Keyamo advocated for a review of UAE visa restrictions on Nigerians, arguing that easing travel conditions would boost passenger traffic and economic benefits for both nations.
Nigeria and the UAE also agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement covering aviation safety, regulatory oversight, environmental standards, airport facilitation, and security.
Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the agreements effectively, emphasising the country’s goal of aligning its aviation sector with global best practices while deepening international partnerships.
The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, gathered over 35 ministers, representatives from 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), an initiative promoting collaboration in sustainable aviation.
