Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and his Republic of Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, the Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago that will signal a new era of air connectivity between West Africa and the Caribbean country.
The signing ceremony took place at the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad and Tobago and it marked the official commencement of direct air links between both nations.
Media adviser to the minister, Tunde Moshood said in a statement that this milestone agreement is the culmination of diplomatic and technical conversations that began during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Keyamo stated that “Today’s signing not only fulfills a long-standing bilateral vision initiated during President Obasanjo’s time but also represents our commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global aviation footprint. This agreement will enhance trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and connectivity between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.”
Also speaking, Sinanan expressed strong optimism about the potential of the agreement to boost cooperation and expand aviation opportunities for Caribbean and African carriers.
The agreement grants designated airlines from both countries the rights to operate passenger and cargo flights, establish commercial agreements, and access the other’s territory under agreed terms and it is expected to significantly strengthen economic and people-to-people ties.
This BASA adds to Nigeria’s growing list of strategic international aviation agreements and reinforces the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving air connectivity, promoting regional integration, and strengthening diplomatic relations through aviation diplomacy.
