Nigeria and the Lufthansa Group have agreed to deepen cooperation in the aviation sector and begin moves to update the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Germany.
The development followed a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and a delegation from Lufthansa Group in Abuja.
The discussions centred on strengthening aviation relations between Nigeria and Germany, while also exploring opportunities for Lufthansa Group to expand its operations in the Nigerian market.
A major issue considered at the meeting was the review and ratification of the Nigeria-Germany BASA, which was signed in 2010.
Both parties agreed that work should commence on updating the agreement to bring it in line with present realities in the aviation industry.
The review is expected to provide a more current framework for air connectivity and cooperation between the two countries, as the sector continues to evolve.
Keyamo, while receiving the Lufthansa delegation, stressed the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with international airlines and creating an environment that supports the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He said the Federal Government was committed to ensuring that agreements guiding international air services reflected the country’s current needs and the changing dynamics of global aviation.
The minister also highlighted the importance of Lufthansa Group’s operations to Nigeria’s international connectivity, noting that stronger cooperation could provide opportunities for further development in the sector.
The Lufthansa delegation, in turn, expressed interest in strengthening its relationship with Nigeria and examining possibilities for expanding its presence in the country.
The discussions also provided an opportunity for both sides to consider how the existing BASA could be improved to support increased cooperation and respond to developments that have taken place in the aviation industry since the agreement was signed.
The planned review of the 2010 agreement marks another step in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s international aviation partnerships.
With both sides agreeing to begin the process, attention will now shift to the technical discussions and negotiations required to update the agreement.
The outcome could help create a more responsive framework for Nigeria-Germany air services while supporting increased connectivity and stronger commercial ties between both countries.