At the prestigious ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), formalized a significant advancement in bilateral aviation relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Minister signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with his UAE counterpart, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to global aviation standards and strengthening commercial air links between both nations.
The high-level signing ceremony, according to Festus Keyamo X handling Twitter, which took place at the Emirates Palace, was witnessed by key stakeholders, including Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other top aviation officials.
A landmark achievement of the agreement is the reciprocal expansion of air transport rights, aimed at enhancing connectivity, codeshare agreements, and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri commended Keyamo’s dedication, stating, “Let me say this on camera now—the Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his words, and for us, that’s everything.”
Beyond air transport cooperation, Keyamo used the platform to push for the review of the UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerians, emphasizing that relaxed policies would boost passenger traffic and economic growth. Both nations also agreed to a Technical Cooperation Agreement focused on capacity building, regulatory advancements, and safety improvements in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
With over 35 ministers, 191 countries, and 1,500 aviation professionals in attendance, ICAO GISS 2025 provided the perfect backdrop for Nigeria to assert itself as a serious player in global aviation. Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing these agreements effectively, ensuring that the country maximizes the economic and operational benefits of this renewed partnership with the UAE.
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