Keyamo unveils plans to boost Nigeria’s aviation sector
By Innocent Raphael
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced intentions to revise existing agreements between Nigeria and other nations, aiming to facilitate easier international operations for local carriers.
Speaking at the Global Transport Policy and Annual Round Table in Lagos, the minister highlighted the importance of improving connectivity and positioning Nigeria as a regional air transport hub.
Represented by Henry Agbebire, Director of Special Duty at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Keyamo emphasized the need for Nigerian carriers to operate international routes seamlessly.
He stated: “My ministry has taken the step to review all the subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreements that Nigeria has entered into with other countries of the world. The aim is to ensure that the country benefits from the principle of reciprocity, which is the hallmark of all BASAs.
“This is to ensure that our local domestic carriers designated to fly international routes operate effortlessly without encumbrances so that our citizens will benefit maximally. The outcome of this strategic move would not only improve connectivity but also position Nigeria as a regional hub for air transportation.”
Lauding the achievements of Air Peace; Nigeria’s sole airline flying international routes, which recently launched its Lagos-London flight and is gearing up for the Abuja-London route, he underscored the review’s goal to ensure reciprocity benefits Nigeria and enables its domestic airlines to operate without hindrances.
Keyamo further commended the event organizers for providing a platform to discuss crucial transport infrastructure matters and announced the official launch of the Global Transport Policy Magazine, aimed at guiding governments in shaping effective policies.
