Keyamo leads delegation to Dominican Republic as Nigeria negotiates BASA updates with Sweden, Norway, Denmark and holds strategic talks with South Africa.
Nigeria has begun the process of reviewing its bilateral air service agreements (BASAs) with Sweden, Norway and Denmark, as discussions intensify at the 2025 International Civil Aviation Negotiation (ICAN) event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering, which is convened by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to facilitate bilateral and multilateral air service negotiations among member states.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tunde Moshood, the minister’s special adviser on media and communications, said Nigeria’s participation highlights the government’s commitment to improving air connectivity, strengthening economic ties, and boosting the country’s global competitiveness in aviation.
“The ICAN2025 event provides a unique global platform for countries to conduct bilateral and multilateral negotiations on Air Service Agreements aimed at enhancing air connectivity, fostering trade, tourism, and investment,” Moshood said.
He confirmed that Nigeria has been actively engaged in several BASA review sessions and MoU discussions on the sidelines of the conference.
South Africa Seeks Additional Traffic Rights
One of the key meetings held by the Nigerian delegation involved South Africa, which requested fifth-freedom traffic rights and an additional designation that would allow Airlink to operate the Cape Town–Lagos route alongside South African Airways.
Nordic Countries Agree to Exchange BASA Documents
A joint session with representatives from Sweden, Norway and Denmark resulted in an agreement to exchange BASA documents for further review.
According to Moshood, the discussions centred on updating existing air service frameworks to deepen air connectivity and promote mutually beneficial aviation relations.
He added that Nigeria’s delegation has split into several working groups to handle various negotiation tracks efficiently.
Keyamo: Nigeria Is Deepening Global Aviation Ties
Speaking at the event, Minister Keyamo reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in aviation.
He said the government’s active engagement at ICAN2025 reflects its resolve to expand Nigeria’s aviation footprint, secure improved market access for Nigerian airlines, and build sustainable partnerships across regions.
Moshood also noted that one of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the announcement of Equatorial Guinea as host of next year’s ICAN.
Nigeria’s Delegation
The Nigerian team includes:
- Chris Najomo, Director-General, NCAA
- Ahmed Mohammed, Director of Air Transport Management
- Sarah Okunade, Director of Legal Services
- Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA
Also participating are representatives of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), including:
- Toyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace
- Charles Johnson Ararume, Chief Financial Officer, Arik Air
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