Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates have strengthened their aviation ties through the signing of an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, and UAE’s Minister of Economy, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, at the Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental.
“Let me say this on camera now, the Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his words and for us, that’s everything,” stated Al Marri during the signing ceremony, expressing confidence in the partnership.
The amended BASA builds upon negotiations from the previous year, establishing reciprocal rights for both nations and creating new opportunities for aviation collaboration. A key focus of the agreement is the expansion of codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
During the discussions, Keyamo also addressed the issue of UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerians, advocating for their review. He emphasized that easing current conditions would lead to increased passenger traffic on designated routes, resulting in economic benefits for both countries.
The partnership extends beyond the BASA, with both nations agreeing to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement. This additional agreement will focus on capacity building and technical support in crucial aviation areas, including safety and regulatory oversight, environmental considerations, and airport security.
The signing took place during the prestigious GISS 2025, hosted by H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. The symposium attracted an impressive gathering of over 35 ministers, representatives from 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors. The event also showcased the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), a UAE initiative aimed at promoting sustainability in aviation.
The Nigerian delegation included key aviation officials: NCAA Director General Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, FAAN Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, NCAA Director of Air Transport Regulations Mrs. Olayinka T. Babaoye-Iriobe, FAAN Director of Operations Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, and the Ministry’s Director of Air Transport Management, Mr. Ahmed Tijani.
Keyamo expressed Nigeria’s commitment to effective implementation of the agreements, stating that the partnership would help elevate Nigeria’s aviation sector to meet global standards while strengthening international relationships.
By Anthony Ogbekile
