BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has backed the review and ratification of Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Germany as Lufthansa Group plans to expand its operations in the country.
Keyamo gave the support on Thursday when he received a delegation from the Lufthansa Group at his office in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Alexandra Dietzen-Zill, Senior Manager, Aeropolitical Relations & Traffic Rights, Lufthansa Group, told the minister that the existing Nigeria-Germany BASA, signed in 2010, was due for review and ratification to reflect current developments in the aviation relationship between both countries.
Dietzen-Zill said the German Ministry of Transport was already reviewing the agreement with a view to concluding its revision and eventual ratification.
She also commended the reforms being implemented by the Federal Government to reposition Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly the country’s accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention.
According to her, the reforms have helped to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and underline the country’s strategic position in the global aviation industry.
The Lufthansa delegation further disclosed plans to introduce Eurowings, another airline under the Lufthansa Group, into the Nigerian market from next year.
Eurowings is expected to operate Boeing 737-series aircraft, which the group said would further increase air connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.
The meeting also focused on creating a more conducive environment for sustained investment and airline operations in Nigeria.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the delegation and commended Lufthansa for its longstanding presence and operations in Nigeria.
He assured the group of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an aviation environment that supports legitimate investment, improves connectivity and encourages international airlines to expand their operations in the country.
Keyamo said his ministry remained open to constructive engagement with international aviation stakeholders seeking to deepen their presence in Nigeria.
He added that the government was committed to policies that would boost investor confidence, strengthen bilateral aviation relations and position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
