…Says Direct Brussels Flights Long Overdue, Orders BASA Talks Fast-tracked
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the immediate conclusion of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Belgium, ordering officials to fast-track negotiations to ensure the pact is signed before the outgoing Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, completes his diplomatic assignment on August 5.
The directive was issued on Thursday in Abuja when Ambassador Leenknegt paid the minister a farewell visit, during which both sides revisited discussions on the long-awaited BASA aimed at establishing direct air links between Nigeria and Belgium.
The proposed agreement, first discussed during an earlier meeting this year, is expected to pave the way for direct commercial flights between Lagos or Abuja and Brussels, a move both countries believe will strengthen trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people relations.
During the meeting, Ambassador Leenknegt expressed appreciation for the cordial ties between Nigeria and Belgium and urged the Federal Government to conclude the agreement before the end of his tenure.
The envoy explained that one of the major issues delaying the agreement had been the European Union ownership clause governing Belgian airlines, noting that Belgium no longer has a national carrier with a Belgian majority shareholder.
According to him, the BASA would therefore require provisions reflecting the realities of the European aviation framework while ensuring mutual benefits for both countries.
He recalled previous engagements with officials of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during which he was informed that negotiations could be concluded by October. Seeking clarification on the timeline, the ambassador stressed the enormous economic benefits that would come from direct air connectivity.
According to him, direct flights between Nigeria and Belgium would significantly boost commerce, tourism and diplomatic relations.
He noted that many Nigerian travellers heading to Brussels currently transit through neighbouring countries such as Cotonou, despite Nigeria’s large passenger market and growing demand for international travel.
Describing the agreement as a “low-hanging fruit” capable of deepening bilateral relations, Ambassador Leenknegt expressed hope that it could be concluded before the expiration of his diplomatic posting, saying such an achievement would represent a fitting conclusion to his service in Nigeria.
Responding, Keyamo expressed concern that Nigeria and Belgium were yet to establish direct air services despite the strong commercial and diplomatic ties between both countries.
“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,” the minister said.
He described Brussels as not only an important European destination but also a strategic aviation hub that connects passengers to numerous cities across Europe, making the proposed BASA vital to Nigeria’s aviation expansion strategy.
Following the discussions, Keyamo directed the Director of Air Transport Management in the ministry to immediately brief him on the current status of negotiations with Belgium and accelerate all outstanding administrative processes.
He further instructed officials to resolve every pending issue urgently to ensure the Bilateral Air Services Agreement is signed on or before Ambassador Leenknegt leaves Nigeria in two weeks.
The minister said concluding the agreement would represent a major milestone in strengthening air connectivity, attracting investment, promoting tourism and deepening the longstanding bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Belgium.
The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding aviation cooperation and expressing optimism that direct flights between Nigeria and Belgium would soon become a reality.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
