ICYMI: Nigeria, Egypt sign agreement to deepen aviation cooperation

The federal government has signed a bilateral air services agreement (BASA) and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, and Badr Abdellatty, Egypt’s minister of foreign affairs, formalised the agreement on Monday during a brief ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, Keyamo’s special adviser on media and communications, the agreement, which was initially conceived during the 2024 international civil aviation negotiations (ICAN) conference, marks a significant milestone in the deepening of bilateral cooperation between both nations.

“The enhanced BASA allows for expanded route access and operational flexibility for designated carriers from both countries, while the MoU covers technical cooperation, training, and infrastructure development initiatives,” the statement reads.

Describing the signing as a “strategic breakthrough,” Keyamo said the agreement reflects the mutual commitment of both countries to strengthening connectivity, facilitating technical exchange, and opening new investment opportunities within their respective aviation sectors.

“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,” the minister was quoted as saying.

On his part, Abdellatty expressed Egypt’s desire to build a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with Nigeria, particularly in sectors where aviation serves as a catalyst for broader economic growth.

He commended Keyamo for his visionary leadership and proactive drive to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that Egypt views Nigeria as a strategic partner on the continent.

The statement said both ministers reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to implementing the provisions of the agreement in the spirit of mutual respect and shared progress.

“The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, and representatives from the Egyptian diplomatic mission in Nigeria,” he said.

This statement said the development adds to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reposition its aviation sector through international cooperation, modern regulatory frameworks, and increased private sector participation in aviation infrastructure.