Keyamo leads Nigerian team to set stage for new BASA with UAE

• Ahead of Emirates flight resumption

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s minister of aviation and aerospace development, has led a high-level Nigerian delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to finalise negotiations ahead of the much-anticipated resumption of Emirates Airlines’ flight operations to Nigeria.

The meeting, which took place on Friday,  also set the foundation for a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between both nations to ensure stronger and mutually beneficial aviation ties.

Accompanied by his technical team, Keyamo is said to have engaged in constructive discussions with UAE aviation authorities, with the aim of ensuring smooth reintroduction of Emirates Airlines into the Nigerian airspace on Tuesday.

The new BASA, which was a focal point of the talks, is designed to enhance collaboration between the two countries and establish guidelines for their evolving relationship in the aviation sector.

Crucially, the negotiations also yielded a significant agreement on reciprocal rights, ensuring that Nigerian airlines will soon have the opportunity to commence direct flight operations to the UAE. This marks a historic development for Nigeria’s aviation industry, expanding international connectivity and offering more options to travellers between the two nations.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, minister Keyamo stated, “Today’s discussions reaffirm our commitment to fostering a balanced and forward-looking partnership with the UAE. We are pleased to have secured reciprocal operational rights for Nigerian airlines, which will not only deepen our bilateral ties but also strengthen the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation industry. As Emirates returns to Nigeria, we look forward to a thriving and mutually beneficial air service relationship.”

A statement by Tunde Moshood, special assistant, media and communications, to the minister,  noted that this development follows weeks of diplomatic and technical consultations aimed at restoring direct air travel between Nigeria and the UAE, further signalling the federal government’s dedication to ensuring the best possible outcomes for both Nigerian and international travellers.

The resumed flight operations by Emirates and the new BASA will play a pivotal role in promoting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE, as well as fostering economic growth.