Nigeria has taken a significant step in enhancing its aviation ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed an amended Bilateral Air Service.
Agreement (BASA) at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Representing Nigeria’s legislative arm at the event were Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe (Oluyole Federal Constituency) and Hon. Festus Akingbaso (Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency).
They joined a high-powered delegation led by Keyamo, which included Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku (Managing Director, FAAN), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo (Director General, NCAA), and other key aviation officials.
The symposium, held from February 10–12, 2025, brought together over 35 ministers, 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
Hosted by H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the event featured discussions on global aviation cooperation and innovation.
The amended BASA agreement, signed during a high-level meeting with H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, aims to improve air connectivity, enhance regulatory cooperation, and foster economic growth between the two nations.
Additionally, Nigeria and the UAE agreed to a Technical Cooperation Agreement, focusing on:
Technical support in aviation safety and regulation
Environmental sustainability
Airport security and facilitation
Commitment to Aviation Advancement
Hon. Akande-Sadipe expressed enthusiasm about the strengthened ties, emphasizing the importance of advanced air mobility (AAM) and sustainable aviation.
“This agreement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to global aviation development. Engaging with top industry leaders at the ICAO GISS 2025 has been invaluable in shaping Nigeria’s role in the future of air transport,” she said.
The event also showcased the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), an initiative promoting collaboration and innovation in sustainable aviation.
This milestone agreement is expected to boost economic opportunities, improve operational efficiency, and foster a stronger aviation partnership between Nigeria and the UAE.