Nigeria, Jamaica Near Finalisation Of Bilateral Aviation Agreement
Nigeria and Jamaica are moving closer to strengthening their bilateral aviation relations as both countries advance plans to conclude and sign their reviewed Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
The development followed a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, which focused on finalising the agreement and improving air connectivity between the two countries.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the agreement had undergone extensive legal and technical reviews by officials from both countries, with the necessary documentation now at an advanced stage of completion.
During the meeting, Downer expressed satisfaction with the progress made, noting that both countries had reached a critical stage and were now working towards fixing a date for the formal signing.
He explained that Jamaica had already shared the legally reviewed version of the agreement with the Nigerian team and sought an update on the status of the final documentation.
Responding, Keyamo requested the relevant file to ascertain the progress of the process. He was subsequently briefed that the agreement had undergone the required review by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and had been returned to the ministry.
The minister thereafter directed that a final copy be made available to the Jamaican High Commissioner for further review and proofreading to ensure both parties were satisfied with its contents before the formal endorsement.
According to the ministry, both countries are working towards agreeing on a mutually convenient date for the signing, which is tentatively expected to take place in Kingston, Jamaica, either in the last week of November or the first week of December 2026.
The proposed agreement is expected to establish a stronger framework for aviation cooperation, facilitate easier air travel, improve connectivity and create opportunities for increased economic, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and Jamaica.
The ministry added that the proposed signing represents another step in the Federal Government’s efforts to expand Nigeria’s international aviation partnerships and strengthen bilateral cooperation through mutually beneficial air services agreements.
Keyamo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely conclusion of the agreement, directing relevant officials to expedite the remaining documentation ahead of the proposed signing in Jamaica.
