Indications have emerged that there are plans in the pipeline by the Federal government of Nigeria to deepen Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) between her and Jamaica and Namibia.
As parts of the engagement, Nigeria and Jamaica are set to explore the possibility of establishing a direct flight route between both countries.
This development was announced in a statement on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
He noted that the matter was discussed during a diplomatic meeting in Abuja between Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Lincoln Downer, Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, and Andre Hibbert, his Consular.
Moshood said the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
“A key area of focus during the meeting was the matter of air travel and connectivity,” he said.
During the meeting, Downer expressed his deep appreciation for Nigeria, revealing a personal connection to the country.
“I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all,” the ambassador said.
He emphasised the need for improved diplomatic engagements, noting that he had been mandated by his government to review and enhance relations between Jamaica and Nigeria, particularly in the area of air services.
Downer disclosed that Jamaica currently lacks a national carrier and relies on Trinidad and Tobago for air transport.
To bridge the gap, he proposed integrating Jamaica’s BASA with that of Trinidad and Tobago to address the air services gap, underscoring the rising demand for travel between Nigeria and Jamaica.
Cultural exchange was also highlighted as a key aspect of the discussion, with the ambassador citing the rising popularity of Afrobeat music and Nollywood films in Jamaica.
Downer noted that the cultural exchange further strengthens the need for improved diplomatic relations and air connectivity.
“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,” Downer added.
In response, Keyamo welcomed the ambassador’s proposals and expressed enthusiasm about moving forward.
“I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will set up a committee to expedite the process,” the minister said.
Keyamo also pledged to visit Jamaica if required, affirming his willingness to personally finalise and sign the BASA agreement.
Moshood said the meeting marks a significant step towards reinforcing the bilateral ties between Jamaica and Nigeria and sets the stage for future collaboration in the aviation, trade, and cultural sectors.
Similarly, Moshood disclosed that Namibia is seeking direct flights to Nigeria and is willing to partner with local airlines to make it possible.
Moshood said this discussion came up during a meeting between Keyamo and Humphrey Geiseb, Namibia’s ambassador to Nigeria, in Abuja.
Moshood said the meeting focused on the bilateral air services agreement (BASA) between both countries and ways to enhance aviation connectivity.
“Ambassador Geiseb highlighted the historical importance of Air Namibia’s operations between the two countries, noting that the national carrier previously connected Lagos to Accra and played a key role in facilitating travel between Namibia and Nigeria,” Moshood said.
“Unfortunately, Air Namibia faced financial difficulties and was eventually forced to cease operations following a government bailout.
“Geiseb emphasized that currently, it remains challenging to directly connect Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, with Nigeria, with travelers having to transit through Addis Ababa.
“While there are occasional flights via TAG Airlines, they are not frequent enough to meet the demand for seamless travel between the two nations.
“The Ambassador expressed his country’s desire to partner with Nigerian airlines to restore direct connectivity, citing ongoing discussions with Air Peace.
“However, he encouraged Minister Keyamo to engage with domestic airlines to explore potential collaboration opportunities.”
According to Moshood, the minister expressed his support and shared a personal experience regarding the challenges of establishing direct flights in the region.
“He referenced the successful Algeria/Lagos/Cameroon flight route, which was initiated after the Algerian Ambassador proposed a direct connection, despite the close proximity between Nigeria and Cameroon,” he said.
“The Minister also mentioned that one of Nigeria’s fast-rising domestic carriers, Xejet, which currently operates Sierra Leone’s national carrier, Air Sierra Leone, could be a potential partner in this venture.
“Ambassador Geiseb assured the Minister that he would engage his counterpart, Namibia’s Minister of Aviation, to arrange a possible visit to further strengthen the aviation cooperation between both countries.”
