Nigeria and Russia have commenced negotiations to replace their 59-year-old Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), in a move aimed at strengthening aviation relations and improving air transport connections between the two countries.
The Federal Government disclosed that both countries had agreed to conclude negotiations within six months and sign a new aviation agreement in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.
The development was announced on Friday in a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
According to the statement, the agreement followed bilateral discussions held on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
During the meeting, both countries agreed to review the existing aviation agreement, which was signed in 1967, to ensure it reflects developments in the global aviation industry and creates opportunities for improved international air transport services.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, led the Nigerian delegation and held discussions with Russia’s State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport, Dmitry Zverev.
The meeting focused on updating the existing legal and regulatory framework governing air transport relations between Nigeria and Russia.
As part of efforts to speed up the process, both governments agreed to establish separate negotiating teams to begin work immediately and ensure the new agreement is completed within the agreed six-month period.
The ministry confirmed that the proposed agreement would be signed in Saint Petersburg in April 2027.
Bilateral Air Services Agreements provide the legal framework that allows airlines from two countries to operate international flights under mutually agreed conditions.
The replacement of the existing agreement is expected to create opportunities for stronger air connectivity, improved cooperation between aviation institutions and increased business engagement between the aviation sectors of both countries.
Although the ministry did not provide details of the proposed flight routes, designated airlines or frequency of operations, it said the new agreement would establish a modern framework for mutually beneficial aviation cooperation.
Beyond the review of the 1967 agreement, both delegations also discussed other areas where Nigeria and Russia could expand cooperation in aviation and related sectors.
The two countries expressed their commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships and exploring opportunities that would advance their common interests.
The ministry added that further consultations would take place in the coming months as the negotiating teams work towards finalising the new agreement.
Other members of Nigeria’s delegation included the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, and the Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Dr Danjuma Ismaila.
Directors from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA also participated in the meeting.
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