Nigeria, Jamaica Initiate Direct Flight Plans Under BASA Agreement
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has initiated plans to create direct flights under BASA agreement between Nigeria and Jamaica.
The Minister made the announcement when he welcomed the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Lincoln Downer and his Consular, His Excellency, Andre Hibbert, to his office in Abuja for a diplomatic interaction.
The Jamaican Ambassador’s plans to begin the BASA agreement between Nigeria and Jamaica were warmly received by Keyamo.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood on Wednesday, Keyamo stated that he would be willing to travel to Jamaica to sign and finalize the BASA agreement. He noted that he was glad to begin the BASA arrangements, adding that he would set up a committee to hasten the process.
The issue of connectivity and air travel was a major emphasis of the meeting. Ambassador Downer revealed that Jamaica now depends on neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago for air services as it currently lacks a national carrier.
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In order to fill the air services gap, he proposed merging the BASA between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, highlighting the growing demand for travel from Nigeria to Jamaica.
Ambassador Downer expressed his appreciation for Nigeria and he also revealed an unusual discovery during his four months as Jamaica’s envoy to Nigeria.
“I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all. This personal revelation set the tone for a productive discussion on strengthening the ties between the two nations, particularly in the areas of air services, trade, and investment,” Downer stated.
The Ambassador further stated the Importance of strengthening bilateral relations, and the need to review the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
“I have been tasked by my country to review and improve on the diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially concerning air services.”
Read more: https://x.com/fkeyamo/status/1899868065308848542?t=vnHxyC5z_Erswi2ZV_tV3A&s=19
The Jamaican Ambassador also discussed the rising popularity of Nigerian culture in Jamaica, especially Afrobeat music and Nollywood movies. He noted that the need for improved diplomatic and aviation ties is further supported by this cultural exchange.
“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” he stated.
