Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called for a review of the UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerians, urging a more relaxed policy that could boost passenger traffic and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
Keyamo made this appeal following the signing of the amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UAE, which was finalized during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025.
This historic agreement was signed in a high-level meeting with H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, further cementing the aviation collaboration between both countries.
The BASA ensures reciprocal rights for air services and aims to foster greater cooperation in aviation, with a focus on expanding codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
In addition to the BASA, both nations are set to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement focusing on key areas such as safety, regulatory practices, environmental sustainability, and airport facilitation.
This cooperation aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to elevate its aviation sector to international standards and strengthen its global partnerships.
Keyamo emphasized the importance of these developments for enhancing Nigeria’s aviation sector and maximizing the economic benefits for both nations.
According to the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, the ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), brought together over 35 ministers, 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the prestigious Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM)—an ambitious initiative by the UAE to drive collaboration and innovation in sustainable aviation.
Both countries also agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement focusing on capacity building and technical support in key aviation areas, including safety and regulatory, environment, airport facilitation and security.
According to the statement, this cooperation reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to elevating its aviation sector to global best practices while deepening ties with international partners.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with the UAE to implement these agreements effectively, ensuring that both nations maximize the economic and operational benefits of this strengthened partnership.
During the signing ceremony, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri lauded Nigeria’s aviation Minister saying; “let me say this on camera now, the Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his words and for us, that’s everything”.
He acknowledged his commitment to advancing Nigeria-UAE aviation relations.
Accompanying the Minister as part of the Nigerian delegation were, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olayinka T. Babaoye-Iriobe, Director, Air Transport Regulations, NCAA, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, Director of Operations, FAAN, and Mr. Ahmed Tijani, Director, Air Transport Management, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
