Nigeria and the UAE have signed an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement to expand codeshare arrangements, enabling airlines to share flights and sell tickets on each other’s networks.
The deal also boosts interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines, strengthening aviation ties.
Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, signed the deal during the ICAO GISS 2025 in Abu Dhabi at a high-level meeting with UAE’s Economy Minister, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri.
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Aviation Minister, Tunde Moshood.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), has signed the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE),” the statement read in part.
It added, “The signing of the amended BASA builds on last year’s negotiations, ensuring reciprocal rights for both countries and fostering deeper aviation collaboration. The Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE, with a focus on expanding codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.”
The statement noted the presence of key Nigerian aviation officials, including NCAA Director General Capt. Chris Ona Najomo and FAAN Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, alongside other senior executives.
Keyamo also urged the UAE to review visa restrictions on Nigerians, emphasizing that eased travel conditions would boost passenger traffic, trade, and economic growth.
Both nations also agreed on a Technical Cooperation Agreement to enhance capacity building, regulatory oversight, airport security, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
