Nigeria, UAE sign amended air travel agreement to ensure reciprocal rights, deepen collaboration

Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed an amended bilateral air service agreement (BASA), solidifying mutual aviation ties between both nations.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, signed the agreement during the ICAO global implementation support symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

In a statement on Tuesday, Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the minister, said the signing took place during a high-level meeting with Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s minister of economy.

The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general (DG) of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), gathered over 35 ministers, 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at the Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental.

The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), a UAE initiative to drive collaboration and innovation in sustainable aviation.

According to Moshood, the signing of the amended BASA builds on last year’s negotiations, ensuring reciprocal rights for both countries and fostering deeper aviation collaboration.

“The minister emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE, with a focus on expanding codeshare agreements and interlining opportunities for Nigerian airlines,” he said.

During the signing ceremony, Al Marri praised Keyamo, acknowledging his commitment to advancing Nigeria-UAE aviation relations.

“Let me say this on camera now, the Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his words and for us, that’s everything,” the UAE minister said.

NIGERIA, UAE TO SIGN TECHNICAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT ON CAPACITY BUILDING

Both countries also agreed to sign a technical cooperation agreement focusing on capacity building and technical support in key aviation areas.

“In a further boost to bilateral relations, both countries 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,” the statement said.

“This cooperation reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to elevating its aviation sector to global best practices while deepening ties with international partners.”

Moshood said the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with the UAE to successfully implement the agreements, ensuring both countries fully leverage the economic and operational advantages of the strengthened partnership.

The Nigerian delegation included Chris Najomo, director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Olubunmi Kuku, managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, director of air transport regulations at the NCAA; Abdullahi Mahmood, director of operations at FAAN; and Ahmed Tijani, director of air transport management at the ministry of aviation and aerospace development.