The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan, have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement In a significant step to boost air connectivity between West Africa and the Caribbean.
The historic signing ceremony was held at the VIP Lounge of Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago, officially launching direct air links between the two nations.
This milestone agreement represents the culmination of diplomatic and technical discussions that began during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Aviation of Minister, stated, “Today’s signing not only fulfills a long-standing bilateral vision initiated during President Obasanjo’s time but also represents our commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global aviation footprint.
Keyamo, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Tunde Moshood, said: “This agreement will enhance trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and connectivity between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.
“This BASA adds to Nigeria’s growing list of strategic international aviation agreements and reinforces the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving air connectivity, promoting regional integration, and strengthening diplomatic relations through aviation diplomacy.”
The minister was accompanied by senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The agreement allows designated airlines from both countries to operate passenger and cargo flights, establish commercial agreements, and access each other’s territories under agreed terms. This is expected to greatly enhance economic and people-to-people connections.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan, expressed strong optimism about the agreement’s potential to foster cooperation and expand aviation opportunities for both Caribbean and African carriers.
