Nigeria, Sweden, Norway to review bilateral air service agreements

Nigeria is set to review its bilateral air service agreements (BASA) with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark as part of ongoing talks at the 2025 International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) event.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, led Nigeria’s delegation to the global event in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic.

The meeting, organised annually by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), serves as a platform for bilateral and multilateral air service negotiations.

In a statement on Wednesday, Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the minister, said Nigeria’s participation at ICAN2025 underscores its commitment to aviation growth, economic integration, and global competitiveness.

“The ICAN2025 event provides a unique global platform for countries to conduct bilateral and multilateral negotiations on Air Service Agreements (ASAs) aimed at enhancing air connectivity, fostering trade, tourism, and investment, and promoting the sustainable growth of the global aviation industry,” Moshood said.

He said the Nigerian delegation has been actively engaged in several BASA review meetings and memoranda of understanding (MoU) discussions on the sidelines of the event.

According to the statement, discussions with South Africa focused on the country’s request for fifth-freedom traffic rights and an additional designation for another flag carrier airlink to operate the Cape Town-Lagos route alongside South African Airways.

“A joint session with representatives from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark led to mutual agreement to exchange the air service agreement documents for further review and deliberation,” the statement further reads.

“Discussions also focused on reviewing existing BASAs to enhance connectivity and promote mutually beneficial aviation relationships.

“Negotiations are ongoing, with the Nigerian delegation divided into multiple working groups to handle various bilateral and multilateral engagements efficiently.”

‘NIGERIA COMMITTED TO DEEPENING INTERNATIONAL AVIATION COOPERATION’

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Keyamo said Nigeria remains committed to deepening international aviation cooperation.

He said the government’s active participation in ICAN2025 demonstrates its dedication to expanding Nigeria’s global aviation footprint, improving market access for Nigerian carriers, and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships across continents.

Moshood said the highlight of the opening ceremony was the announcement of Equatorial Guinea as the next host of ICAN.

He said the Nigerian delegation includes Chris Najomo, director-general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Ahmed Mohammed, director of air transport management at the ministry; Sarah Okunade, director of legal services at the ministry; and Michael Achimugu, director of public affairs and consumer protection at the NCAA.

Also on the delegation are key members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), including Toyin Olajide, chief operating officer of Air Peace, and Charles Johnson Ararume, chief financial officer of Arik Air.