Nigeria and Russia Set to Renegotiate 59 Year Old Aviation Agreement, Target April 2027 Signing

According to The Sun Nigeria News on October 30, 2026, Nigeria and Russia have agreed to renegotiate their 59-year-old Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) in a move aimed at modernising aviation relations, improving air connectivity and creating fresh investment opportunities between the two countries.

The agreement to review the existing aviation framework was reached during a high-level bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Russian officials on the sidelines of the Third Russia Africa Summit in Moscow.

Both countries have established a six-month timeline to conclude negotiations and sign a new agreement in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.

The existing BASA, which dates back to 1967, provides the regulatory framework governing air transport services between Nigeria and Russia. However, both countries have recognised the need to update the agreement to reflect developments in the global aviation industry and emerging opportunities in international air transportation.

Keyamo, who led the Nigerian delegation, held discussions with Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation. During the meeting, both sides agreed that revising the decades old agreement was necessary to strengthen aviation cooperation and improve connectivity.

To ensure that the proposed deadline is achieved, Nigeria and Russia have constituted separate negotiating teams, which are expected to commence work immediately.

The new agreement is expected to provide a modern framework for expanding air transport services, strengthening institutional partnerships and creating opportunities for airlines and investors in both countries.

Special Adviser to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, disclosed that discussions during the meeting extended beyond the BASA renegotiation, with both delegations also examining other areas of possible cooperation in aviation and related sectors.

According to him, the two countries expressed their readiness to explore these opportunities in the coming months as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote mutual economic benefits.

The Nigerian delegation included the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo; the Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Dr Danjuma Adamu Ismaila; and other senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA.

Although specific details of the proposed amendments have not been made public, the outcome of the negotiations is expected to determine the future direction of aviation relations between both countries.

The successful conclusion of the agreement could open new opportunities for air connectivity, commercial partnerships and investment in the aviation sectors of Nigeria and Russia.

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