Nigeria, Jamaica set November deadline for air services pact

Nigeria and Jamaica are moving towards signing a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to strengthen air connectivity, promote tourism and expand economic relations between the two countries.

The proposed agreement is expected to be formally endorsed in Kingston, Jamaica, either in the last week of November or the first week of December 2026, following the completion of legal and technical reviews by officials of both countries.

The development followed a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, to discuss the finalisation of the agreement, according to Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister in a statement.

During the meeting, Downer expressed satisfaction with the progress made, saying both countries had reached an advanced stage and could now begin arrangements for the signing.

He said Jamaica had shared the legally reviewed version of the agreement with Nigerian officials and sought an update on the outstanding documentation to enable both sides to agree on a signing date.

In response, Keyamo requested the relevant file to establish the status of the agreement. Officials briefed him that the document had undergone the necessary review by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and had been returned.

The minister subsequently directed that a final copy be made available to the Jamaican High Commissioner for further review and proofreading to ensure that both parties were satisfied with the provisions before signing.

The Bilateral Air Services Agreement is expected to establish a framework for cooperation between the aviation authorities and designated airlines of both countries, including arrangements for operating air services between their territories.

Beyond improving travel connections, the agreement could create opportunities for airlines to explore new routes and partnerships, while facilitating the movement of tourists, business travellers and investors between Nigeria and Jamaica.

Although the final signing date is yet to be confirmed, both governments are working to conclude the outstanding documentation ahead of the proposed ceremony in Kingston.

Keyamo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing the process, directing relevant officials to expedite the remaining steps to ensure the agreement is ready for endorsement.

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