The Federal Government is reviewing its Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Jamaica to establish a direct flight route between both countries.
This was disclosed in a statement by the media aide to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Tunde Moshood, on Wednesday.
Moshood referenced a meeting between the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and the minister.
According to the statement, Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, expressed deep appreciation for the country. He also shared an intriguing discovery from his four-month tenure as Jamaica’s envoy to Nigeria.
The ambassador highlighted the potential for stronger diplomatic ties between Jamaica and Nigeria, stressing the need to enhance bilateral relations, including a review of the BASA arrangements.
Downer noted that Jamaica currently lacks a national carrier and depends on Trinidad and Tobago for air transport.
To bridge this gap, he suggested integrating the BASA between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, citing the growing demand for travel from Nigeria to Jamaica.
He said, “I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all. I have been tasked by my country to review and improve on the diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially concerning air services.”
Downer further shared the growing interest in Nigerian culture, particularly Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, which he said were trending in Jamaica. This cultural exchange, he noted, further reinforces the need for enhanced diplomatic and air connectivity between the two countries.
“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” he added.
In response, Keyamo welcomed the ambassador’s proposals and expressed his commitment to advancing the BASA review and strengthening relations between both countries.
He also pledged to establish a committee to fast-track the process and implementation of the plans.
