Nigeria, Jamaica review bilateral aviation agreement

File: Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

Nigeria and Jamaica are moving towards strengthening their aviation ties as both countries prepare to conclude and sign a reviewed Bilateral Air Services Agreement, with the formal endorsement expected to take place in Jamaica later this year.

This was made known through a statement signed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday.

The development followed a meeting between the Minister and the Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, during which both parties discussed the finalisation of the agreement.

The proposed deal is expected to provide a stronger framework for aviation cooperation, improve air connectivity and create opportunities for increased travel, tourism and economic exchanges between the two countries.

Speaking during the meeting, Downer expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the agreement, saying both countries had reached an advanced stage and were now working towards fixing a date for its signing.

He said the Jamaican government had already shared the legally reviewed version of the agreement with Nigerian officials and was awaiting feedback to determine the next steps.

“So, we are pleased now that we’re at the point where we can sign. We shared the legally reviewed text with your team, so I haven’t heard from them. That’s what I wanted to know today, where we stand, so that we can then set the date. You can give us an update?” Downer said.

Also speaking, Keyamo requested an update on the status of the document and directed officials to make the relevant file available for review.

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The minister was informed that the agreement had undergone the necessary legal examination by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and had been returned, bringing the process close to completion.

Keyamo subsequently directed that a final copy be made available to the Jamaican High Commissioner for another review and proofreading to ensure that both countries were satisfied with the provisions before signing.

Both parties said they were working towards fixing a mutually convenient date for the formal endorsement, tentatively scheduled to hold in Kingston, Jamaica, either in the last week of November or the first week of December 2026.

The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral aviation relations by providing an enabling framework for airlines from both countries to explore opportunities for improved connectivity and air service cooperation.

Keyamo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to concluding the agreement, directing relevant officials to expedite the outstanding documentation ahead of the proposed signing in Jamaica.

Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of experience reporting on politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and aviation. His work focuses on accountability, public interest, and social change, producing stories that inspire reform and amplify underrepresented voices. Akinlotan’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact-driven journalism.