BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Soothing news emanated from the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in the United Arab Emirates as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and UAE.
This was disclosed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications, to Keyamo in a statement.
He said the pact was signed during a high-level meeting of Nigeria’s delegation with Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy.
According to him, the alliance cements mutual aviation ties between both nations.
On Keyamo’s delegation were, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),
Mrs. Olayinka T. Babaoye-Iriobe, Director, Air Transport Regulations, NCAA, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, Director of Operations, FAAN and
Mr. Ahmed Tijani, Director, Air Transport Management, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), convened a distinguished gathering of over 35 ministers, representatives from 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the iconic Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
A highlight of the event was the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), a visionary initiative by the UAE aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in sustainable aviation, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to a greener future.
The amended BASA agreement builds upon last year’s negotiations, reinforcing reciprocal rights and deepening aviation ties between Nigeria and the UAE. Emphasizing the need for enhanced connectivity, the Minister highlighted plans to expand codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities, paving the way for greater access, seamless travel, and strengthened collaboration between both nations’ aviation sectors.
During the signing ceremony, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri lauded Nigeria’s aviation Minister as he said “let me say this on camera now, the Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his words and for us, that’s everything”, acknowledging his commitment to advancing Nigeria-UAE aviation relations.
Beyond the amended BASA, the Aviation Minister called for a reassessment of the UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerians, emphasizing that a more flexible visa policy would stimulate passenger traffic on designated routes, ultimately driving economic benefits for both nations.
Further strengthening bilateral ties, both countries reached an agreement to sign a Technical Cooperation pact.
This initiative will focus on capacity building and technical support across critical aviation sectors, including safety and regulatory frameworks, environmental sustainability, airport facilitation, and security—laying the foundation for a more robust and collaborative aviation partnership.
This partnership reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to aligning its aviation sector with global best practices while strengthening strategic ties with international stakeholders.
Keyamo assured of Nigeria’s commitment to working hand in hand with the UAE to seamlessly implement the agreements, ensuring both nations reap the full economic and operational benefits of them.
