Nigeria and Venezuela have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic relations with an agreement to launch direct flights between Abuja and Caracas.

The move marks 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations and aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

The two oil-producing nations, both members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, have pledged to broaden their cooperation beyond the energy sector as part of efforts to deepen their longstanding partnership.

During a visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday in Abuja, the Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Alberto Castellar Padilla, highlighted the deep historical and economic ties between both nations.

Ambassador Padilla praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the significant advancements in Nigeria’s aviation sector and advocated for deeper collaboration that extends beyond politics and culture, aiming to further strengthen bilateral relations.

A major point of the discussions was Venezuela’s plan to start direct flights between Caracas and Abuja to strengthen business, tourism, and cultural ties.

Ambassador Padilla revealed that the two countries signed an agreement for these direct flights in 2022, and Venezuela is now prepared to put the plan into action.

“We held a bilateral joint commission with Nigeria, and we seek to renew our relationship, particularly in the aviation industry,” Padilla stated.

“Our government has been working diligently, and we are ready to commence direct flights to either Abuja or Lagos. As we celebrate sixty years of diplomatic relations, this initiative is a fitting milestone and this is the best time start operations.”

The ambassador confirmed that Venezuela’s national carrier, CONVIASA, is fully prepared to commence operations pending approval from the Nigerian government.

“We have completed all necessary preparations on our end and are eager to receive Nigeria’s consent. This will significantly enhance connectivity and foster stronger ties between our nations,” he stated.

Responding, Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, expressed optimism about the proposed direct flight service, highlighting its potential to simplify travel between Africa and South America.

In a statement released by his Personal Assistant on Media and Research, Emameh Gabriel, Keyamo announced the formation of a joint committee made up of officials from the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to fast-track the approval process.

“We are pleased that Venezuela has designated an airline ready for operations, as this is often a critical factor in Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA).

“This development is mutually beneficial, as it will reduce travel time and eliminate the current inconvenience of transiting through distant hubs like Dubai or Doha for South American routes,” Keyamo stated.

The Minister highlighted that as Nigeria and Venezuela mark this milestone, their shared commitment to strengthening aviation and sectoral cooperation reflects a joint vision for increased connectivity and prosperity.

Both countries are confident that the direct flights will boost economic and cultural ties in the years ahead.

A direct flight between Nigeria and Venezuela takes roughly seven hours, offering a much shorter alternative to the extended layovers required on other routes.