FG signs amended BASA agreement with UAE

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The announcement was made in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications.

The agreement was signed during the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025.

Keyamo highlighted the importance of strengthening connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE, with particular emphasis on expanding codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.

“This follows a high-level meeting with H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, which solidified mutual aviation ties between both nations,” Keyamo explained.

He added, “The signing of the amended BASA builds on the negotiations of last year, ensuring reciprocal rights for both countries and fostering greater aviation collaboration.”

Keyamo also advocated for a review of the UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerians, beyond the BASA agreement. He stressed that easing the current conditions would increase passenger traffic on designated routes, benefiting the economies of both countries.

The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the UAE to implement the agreements, ensuring that both nations fully capitalise on the economic and operational benefits of the strengthened aviation partnership.

UAE’s Minister of Economy acknowledged Keyamo’s dedication to advancing Nigeria-UAE aviation relations.