Nigeria signs amended BASA with UAE, secures technical training

Nigeria has signed an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reinforcing aviation ties between both nations.

The agreement was signed by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Dubai.

The high-level meeting, held with H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-UAE aviation relations. The revised BASA ensures reciprocal rights for both countries, paving the way for expanded codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

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To further enhance cooperation, Nigeria and the UAE agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement, focusing on capacity building and technical support in aviation safety, regulatory compliance, environmental standards, airport facilitation, and security. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of modernizing its aviation sector to meet global best practices.

Beyond the air services agreement, the Minister advocated for a review of UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerians, emphasising that easing the conditions would increase passenger traffic on designated routes and boost economic benefits for both nations.

The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with the UAE to implement these agreements effectively, ensuring mutual economic and operational benefits.

H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri commended Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, 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.” His remarks underscored Nigeria’s commitment to fostering stronger bilateral aviation ties.

The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), convened over 35 ministers, 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), a UAE-led initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in sustainable aviation.