Keyamo Backs Review Of Nigeria-Germany Air Pact

Minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo has expressed the federal government’s readiness to support the review and ratification of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Germany.

Keyamo stated this in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Lufthansa Group, which visited his office to discuss the strengthening of Nigeria-Germany aviation relations and plans by the German aviation giant to expand its operations in the Nigerian market.

The meeting also focused on the review of the existing BASA, signed by Nigeria and Germany in 2010, with the Lufthansa delegation informing the minister that the agreement is due for updating and ratification to reflect current realities in the aviation relationship between both countries.

The delegation comprised Alexandra Dietzen-Zill, Senior Manager, Aeropolitical Relations & Traffic Rights, Lufthansa Group, and Walid Mahmud, Sales Executive, Lufthansa Technik, Aero Alzey.

Dietzen-Zill commended the minister for what she described as significant reforms and initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector and improving investor confidence.

She specifically cited Nigeria’s accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention as one of the developments strengthening confidence in the country’s aviation market.

According to her, Lufthansa Group remains interested in a stronger and modernised aviation framework between Nigeria and Germany, adding that the German Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing the existing BASA with a view to concluding its revision and eventual ratification.

The delegation also disclosed that the Lufthansa Group is planning to introduce Eurowings, another carrier within the group, into the Nigerian market.

The new service is expected to commence next year and would reportedly be operated with Boeing 737-series aircraft, further expanding direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.

The proposed entry of Eurowings is expected to provide additional travel options for passengers while deepening the commercial relationship between the two countries’ aviation markets.

Responding, Keyamo welcomed the Lufthansa delegation and expressed appreciation for the group’s longstanding presence and operations in Nigeria.

He assured the delegation of the federal government’s commitment to creating an aviation environment that supports legitimate investment, improves connectivity and encourages international airlines to deepen their presence in the country.

The minister also assured Lufthansa of his readiness to support the group within the ambit of his mandate, stressing that the ministry of aviation and aerospace development remains open to constructive engagement with international aviation stakeholders interested in expanding their operations and contributing to the growth of the Nigerian aviation industry.

Keyamo further emphasised that the administration is pursuing policies designed to enhance investor confidence, strengthen bilateral aviation relationships and position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub on the African continent.