Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has signed an updated Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The signing took place during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where Keyamo met with UAE’s Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri.

This new agreement builds upon previous negotiations, aiming to ensure equal flight rights for both nations and strengthen aviation ties.

Keyamo highlighted the need to improve connections between Nigeria and the UAE, focusing on expanding codeshare agreements and creating more opportunities for Nigerian airlines.

Additionally, Keyamo advocated for a review of the UAE’s visa policies for Nigerians, suggesting that easing current restrictions could boost passenger traffic and benefit both countries’ economies.

Both nations also agreed to sign a Technical Cooperation Agreement, focusing on capacity building and technical support in key aviation areas, including safety and regulatory, environment, airport facilitation, and security.

This development comes as Emirates Airlines prepares to resume flights to Nigeria, with the new BASA granting reciprocal flight rights to both Emirates and Nigeria’s Air Peace.