The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), on Tuesday received the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdellatty, in Abuja for the official signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an Enhanced Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Egypt.
The agreement, which originated at the 2024 International Civil Aviation Negotiations (ICAN) Conference, signifies a major stride in bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector between both countries.
Describing the development as a “strategic breakthrough,” Minister Keyamo stated that the agreement highlights the mutual commitment of both governments to improving connectivity, facilitating technical exchange, and expanding investment opportunities in aviation.
“This agreement is not only a fulfilment of the engagements we started during ICAN 2024 but also a bold step toward enhancing air connectivity, boosting tourism, promoting trade, and fostering knowledge transfer in aviation management and infrastructure,” Keyamo said.
The enhanced BASA provides expanded route access and operational flexibility for national carriers, while the MoU outlines cooperation in technical areas, training, and aviation infrastructure development.
Dr. Abdellatty expressed Egypt’s eagerness to deepen ties with Nigeria, describing the country as a strategic partner. He commended Keyamo’s efforts to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector, emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to mutually beneficial collaboration.
The brief but symbolic ceremony was witnessed by high-level officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, and representatives of the Egyptian diplomatic mission in Nigeria.
This development reinforces Nigeria’s broader push to reposition its aviation sector through international partnerships, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and increased private sector participation.
