- The Nigerian government urged the UAE to ease visa restrictions for travelers, aiming to boost passenger traffic and economic benefits
- Minister Festus Keyamo signed an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement with the UAE, enhancing aviation cooperation between both countries
The Federal Government has urged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ease visa restrictions for Nigerian travellers.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, appealed in Dubai during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025.
During the event, Keyamo signed an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UAE, strengthening aviation ties.
Although the UAE lifted visa restrictions last year, Nigerians and travel agents have complained about stringent visa conditions across all categories.
A statement from Keyamo’s spokesman, Tunde Moshood, emphasized that relaxing these restrictions would boost passenger traffic on designated routes, benefiting both countries’ economies.
In a high-level meeting with UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Keyamo signed the amended BASA, ensuring reciprocal aviation rights and deeper collaboration.
The Nigerian delegation included Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The ICAO GISS 2025, hosted by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director General, brought together over 35 ministers, 191 countries, 1,500 aviation professionals, and 70 exhibitors at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. The event also featured the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM), a UAE-led initiative to promote innovation in sustainable aviation.
The amended BASA builds on last year’s negotiations, enhancing airline partnerships and expanding interlining opportunities for Nigerian carriers.
During the signing, UAE’s Minister of Economy praised Keyamo, stating, “The Nigeria Aviation Minister is a man who keeps his word, and for us, that’s everything.”
Both nations also agreed to a Technical Cooperation Agreement aimed at capacity building and technical support in aviation safety, regulations, environmental policies, airport facilitation, and security.
This partnership reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to global aviation standards while strengthening international cooperation.