FG To Review Bilateral Air Service Agreements

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled plans to review agreements Nigeria had entered into with some nations of the world, to ensure local carriers fly international routes without any encumbrances.

The minister said this at the Global Transport Policy and Annual Round Table discussion with the theme; “Building Blocks for Economic Growth”, which was held in Lagos, recently.

Keyamo, who was represented by the Director of Special Duty, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Henry Agbebire, added that the outcome of the move would improve connectivity and position the country as a regional hub for air transport.

He said, “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.”

Air Peace is the only Nigerian airline flying international routes.

It recently launched its Lagos-London flight and planning to commence the Abuja-London flight.

Keyamo hailed the organisers of the event for their thoughtfulness in organising such a round-table that allowed discussion and deliberation on critical issues on transport infrastructure.

“The event, besides providing us with the platform to discuss and deliberate on critical issues on transport infrastructure, would also serve as the official launch of Global Transport Policy Magazine, a bilingual magazine produced quarterly with authoritative trend-spotting and compelling cross-cutting analysis.

“The GTP is aimed at helping local and international governments shape workable policies and perspectives for better outcomes,” the minister declared.

Also, Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, noted that the Lagos government understood the importance of transportation and, as a result, has embarked “on a transformative journey to revitalise our transport infrastructure, enhance mobility, and optimise our transport policies to meet the evolving needs of our dynamic society.”