Nigeria, Jamaica Move Closer to Signing Reviewed Bilateral Air Services Agreement

Nigeria and Jamaica are set to strengthen their aviation relations as both countries move closer to concluding and signing their reviewed Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). The development followed a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer.

The meeting focused on finalising the existing BASA, with emphasis on improving air travel and connectivity and creating a stronger framework for aviation cooperation between the two countries.

In a statement on Wednesday, the aviation ministry said the agreement, which has been in the pipeline, has undergone extensive legal and technical reviews by officials of both countries. The teams are now perfecting the documentation ahead of its formal endorsement.

According to the statement, Downer expressed satisfaction with the progress so far, noting that both countries had reached a critical stage and were looking to set a date for the signing. "So we're pleased now that we're at the point where we can now sign. We shared the legally reviewed text with your team, so I haven't heard from them," he was quoted as saying. "That's what I wanted to know today, where we stand, so that we can then set the date."

Keyamo requested the relevant file to ascertain the status of the documentation. He was briefed that the agreement had already been reviewed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and returned, with the process at an advanced stage. The minister directed that a final copy be made available to the Jamaican High Commissioner for a final review and proofreading, to ensure both parties are fully satisfied with the text before signing.

The statement, issued by the Minister's Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, said both sides are working toward a mutually convenient date for the formal endorsement. It is tentatively scheduled to take place in Kingston, Jamaica, in the last week of November or the first week of December 2026.

The ministry described the proposed signing as another significant step in Nigeria's efforts to deepen international aviation partnerships, expand air connectivity and strengthen bilateral cooperation. It said the agreement is expected to provide an important framework for easier air travel and for exploring stronger economic, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Keyamo reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to concluding the agreement on time and directed relevant officials to expedite the final documentation in readiness for the signing in Jamaica.